KAMPALA — Uganda Premier League side URA FC has officially parted ways with head coach Hussein Mbalangu, ending his six-month tenure at the club following the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign.
The decision follows a detailed review meeting between the experienced tactician and the club’s top hierarchy, with both parties mutually agreeing to a separation as the Tax Collectors look to overhaul their technical setup ahead of the next season.
A Brief Rescue Mission
Mbalangu was brought in on a short-term contract in late December 2025, taking over the reins from Alex Isabirye with the primary objective of steadying a rapidly sinking ship. Backed by a newly appointed backroom staff, his immediate task was to guide the club away from a rare, looming relegation fight and bring stability back to the squad.
While Mbalangu successfully navigated the team to the semifinals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup—where they were eventually knocked out by eventual finalists SC Villa—the club’s league form remained a major concern.
Underwhelming League Campaign
Despite an initial unbeaten patch that gave fans hope, URA FC endured a highly disappointing finish to the domestic season:
Final Position: 11th place in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Total Points: 31 points
The Toll: A staggering number of stalemates (13 league draws) severely hindered their ability to climb into the top half of the table.
For a club of URA's stature—traditionally four-time league champions accustomed to competing for silverware—the 11th-place finish was deemed unacceptable by the board, prompting the urgent need for a fresh tactical identity.
What Lies Ahead?
With the separation finalized, both parties are already drawing plenty of attention on the local sports circuit:
For URA FC: The administration is aggressively restructuring its technical department. Express FC head coach Jimmy Kintu has emerged as the frontrunner to take over the dugout at Nakivubo, with St. Mary’s SS Kitende coach Hassan Zzungu also remaining on the club's radar.
For Hussein Mbalangu: The CAF 'A' licensed coach isn't short of suitors. Newly promoted StarTimes UPL debutants Ntugasaze FC are heavily leading the chase to secure his signature, while army side UPDF FC is also reportedly keeping tabs on his availability.
