Matthias Kigonya comes with immense experience. Photo/courtesy
Sinan RAJUB SENOGA
Express FC have arguably been the busiest side in the transfer market after making 19 signings ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Notably the 19 new faces include experienced goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya, left back Shafik Batambuze, winger Alpha Ssali Thierry, striker Isaac Wagoina and former Soltilo Bright Stars captain Andy Kyambadde.
The Morley Byekwaso coached side also signed Musician Derrick Ddungu who is commonly known as Rickman Manrick, as exclusively reported by this website.
Who is in? Who are the other signings
The Red Eagles have maintained their famous recruiting template of signing the experienced alongside the young blood with a number of youngsters given an opportunity to navigate the topflight league waters for the first time.
Other signings are; Aaron Stewart Mutebi, Steven Yiga, Michael Lutaaya, Mugisha Jonah, John Kisekka, Nicholas Jjonga, Abas Muluya, Hamidu Nsubuga, Amis Bwangani, Keiden King, Marvin Ssebirago, Aggrey Atandu and Tumusiime Richard Apuuli.
Who to look out for?
Holding midfielder Nicholas Jjonga has been impressive in the Masaza Cup with a couple of scintillating performances for Buddu Saaza. He has been acquired from Archers FC, alongside budding goalkeeper Marvin Ssebirago Ssali.
Steven Yiga is expected to be a hit following his starring performances with Buddu Saaza and Football Classroom FC in last season’s Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The former St. Mary’s Kitende left winger has already earned a Uganda Hippos summon and he is currently part of the squad preparing for the upcoming U20 CECAFA Championship.
Amis Bwangani is also expected to find a footing following his stint at URA FC and most recently at FUFA Big League side Iganga United.
Aaron Stewart Mutebi follows Disan Galiwango’s footsteps
Among the new signings is midfielder Aaron Mutebi who is a young brother to former Express FC left back and captain Disan Galiwango.
Galiwango played 51 league games for the Red Eagles between 2018-20, scored six goals and four assists in the process before earning a big move to Vipers. All eyes will be on Mutebi to see how far he can go.
Wagoina, Ssali get a second bite of the cherry
Wagoina and Ssali have returned to Express following disappointing spells at BUL FC and KCCA FC respectively.
Both Wagoina and Ssali had their best topflight performances while at Express and will be hoping to rediscover their form.
Wagoina scored 14 goals and three assists during the 2023/24 season finishing three goals shy of the golden boot winner Shaban Muhammad.
Ssali had only five appearances with KCCA and six with NEC FC before opting to return to Express from where he scored three goals and got one assist in the 23 games he played during the 2023/24 season.
Who is their captain?
Goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya who commands more experience than almost everyone in the squad is tipped to be the club’s new captain.
Kigonya, who last featured in the UPL in 2016 with Bright Stars, has had stints in Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe with his recent address being Hardrock FC in the Zimbabwean topflight.
Express will kickoff their 2026/27 season on Sunday 30th August with a trip to Njeru to take on Alex Isabirye’s BUL FC.
