Night football returns to Lugogo as UPL resumes
KCCA FC and NEC FC fans have reason to look forward to the return of domestic action after the FUFA Club Licensing Committee cleared the stadium to host night matches following the successful upgrade of its floodlights.
From right: Benon Kigenyi, Deputy Executive Director of KCCA; Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA); Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs; Sherry Shi Namutebi, Managing Director of CHINT Uganda; and Eng. Andrew Mukiibi Sserunjogi, launching the KCCA FC new kit for the 2026-27 season.
The return of night football at Omondi Stadium Lugogo, the home of KCCA FC and NEC FC will be one of the major highlights when the Uganda Premier League (UPL) resumes on Wednesday after a three-week international break.
KCCA FC and NEC FC fans have reason to look forward to the return of domestic action after the FUFA Club Licensing Committee cleared the stadium to host night matches following the successful upgrade of its floodlights.
Lugogo was initially denied permission to stage evening fixtures at the start of the season because its floodlights produced 503 lux, below the minimum 800 lux required for UPL night matches.
However, the stadium can now comfortably meet the requirement after its floodlights were upgraded to a minimum output of 1,020 lux.
The development is expected to breathe new life into Lugogo, which traditionally attracts bigger crowds for evening matches. Fans have often preferred night kick-offs because the 7pm starts allow them to attend games after work, unlike the 4pm fixtures that often coincide with working hours.
The first UPL night fixture at Lugogo since the upgrade will see NEC FC host Express FC on Thursday at 7pm, marking the return of evening league football to the venue.
KCCA chairman Andrew Sserunjogi Mukiibi said the floodlight project is part of the club's broader plan to transform Omondi Stadium into a modern facility capable of hosting international matches.
“Upgrading our floodlights from 503 lux to a minimum output of 1,020 lux definitely changes the game for us. We know the disappointment our fans felt when we did not get night games. Now all our upcoming matches under the lights gives our fans the modern matchday experience they deserve,” said Mukiibi.
The upgrade follows the renewal of KCCA's partnership with Chint Uganda for another two years, with improved stadium lighting forming part of the club's ongoing efforts to modernise the facility.
The improved floodlights also place Omondi Stadium among Uganda's better-equipped football venues.
Other UPL grounds with floodlights include St Mary's Stadium Kitende, home of Vipers SC, and Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, which hosts Express, UPDF, UPPC and URA.
Hoima City Stadium, home of Kitara and Blacks Power, also has floodlights, although its UPL occupants have so far continued to play their league matches at 4pm.
Chint Uganda founder and managing director Namutebi Sherry Shi said the company remains committed to supporting football, describing its four-year relationship with KCCA as successful.
“After four fruitful years with KCCA FC, renewing our partnership for two more years was inevitable. We are excited to continue lighting up the KCCA FC stadium and boost the experience and passion of Ugandan football,” said Namutebi.
Chint Uganda is also KCCA's principal shirt sponsor, making the renewed partnership significant to both the club's commercial ambitions and infrastructure development.
Besides KCCA, Omondi Stadium is also home to NEC FC and KCCA Women FC, who compete in the FUFA Women Super League.
Wednesday, 4pm
Kitara v Kigezi
Kataka v Villa
Maroons v Lugazi
Ntugasaze v Mbarara
Thursday, 4pm
Blacks Power v Vipers
At 7pm
NEC v Express
Friday
UPPC v Police
URA v KCCA