Kimwero commits to NEC until 2031 with silverware promise

Shamir Kimwero has pledged to help NEC FC win trophies after signing a new five-year contract with the Uganda Premier League side.

The defensive midfielder says staying at NEC feels like returning home, having been with the club through much of its rise in Ugandan football.

"It feels nice because I am back home again. NEC has always been home for me, and now I am home again," Kimwero said.

Kimwero has been with NEC since September 2023 and is one of the club's longest-serving players.

He has seen many of the players he started with leave the club, but he has remained part of the team as NEC grew into a competitive club.

"This club means a lot to me because many of the people we started with are no longer here. I am proud that I am still with the club. It feels good and nice for me," he said.

Kimwero says the club's rise has not been down to one player but teamwork and discipline.

"It has not been only me. Teamwork and discipline on and off the pitch have helped me reach this level," he added.

Since joining NEC, Kimwero has been part of several important moments in the club's rise.

He helped NEC reach the 2024 Uganda Cup final before playing a role in their historic rise to continental football.

NEC qualified for the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after finishing second in the Uganda Premier League. It was the club's first-ever appearance in continental football.

They were drawn against Kenya's Nairobi United in the first preliminary round.

NEC drew 2-2 with Nairobi United in the first leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, before drawing 1-1 in the return leg in Nairobi. The 3-3 aggregate score saw NEC bow out on the away goals rule.

Kimwero says his relationship with the NEC chairman has also made his stay at the club special.

"This has been my home from day one. I do not regret signing the contract. The chairman is like a father to me, so it is very hard for me to say no to whatever he tells me," he said.

With his new contract, Kimwero now wants NEC to win silverware and return to continental football.

"First of all, I wish that this season we lift a trophy for the club. I also want to help the team return to continental football. As a player, I will work for it and I want to be one of the pillars of the club this season," he said.

He also thanked NEC fans for supporting the club from its early days.

"I would thank them for being with us from scratch up to now. I promise to make them smile again, more than they have smiled before. This season, we shall make something big for them and they will not regret supporting NEC FC," he said.

Kimwero's new deal comes as NEC have made a strong start to the 2026-27 Uganda Premier League season, winning their opening two matches against KCCA FC and Lugazi FC.

The Diehards have also strengthened their squad with Fahad Bayo, Mustafa Mujuzi, Enock Tumwesigye, Enrique Lubwama, and Tony Atukunda.

Goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo also signed a three-year contract extension.

NEC will next travel to Rwamwanja Stadium to face Mbarara City on Friday.