KAMPALA, September 16, 2026 — Maroons FC return to Uganda Premier League action on Thursday when they face fellow security side UPDF FC in an inter-forces derby at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The Matchday Four encounter kicks off at 5:00pm and brings together two sides looking to improve their positions after an uneven start to the 2026/27 campaign.

Maroons go into the game with three points from three matches, while UPDF have two points from the same number of games. The two teams are separated by one place in the early league table.

For Maroons, the match provides an opportunity to respond after suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Blacks Power on September 8.

Ismail Ali gave Maroons the lead in the 38th minute, scoring his first goal for the club, but Blacks Power came back through Andrea Noll Ogwal and Oscar Richard Otim to take all three points.

That defeat followed Maroons' impressive 3-1 away victory over newly promoted Ntugasaze, where Jackson Nunda scored twice and Marvin Oshaba added the other goal.

The Jailers had opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to URA FC at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, meaning Thursday's derby will be their fourth league game of the season.

A Derby With History

The meeting with UPDF carries a long history in Uganda's top-flight football.

The two clubs have met 10 times in their previous recorded league encounters, with Maroons winning three, UPDF winning two and five matches ending in draws. Maroons have scored 11 goals against UPDF's nine.

The recent meetings have also been closely contested.

In the most recent encounter, played in March 2026, the two sides drew 0-0 at Luzira. Before that, Maroons recorded a 2-1 away victory over UPDF in October 2025.

The January 2024 meeting produced one of the more open games between the clubs, with Maroons winning 4-2, while the September 2024 fixture ended 1-1.

The history therefore points to a fixture in which small details could prove important, particularly in a game involving two teams that know each other well.

Maroons Looking for a Response

Head coach Umar Abdallah Loi has prepared his players for the physical demands of the derby.

The coach says the team has used the week to work on intensity, individual battles and set-pieces as they prepare for the contest.

“We know this will be a tough, physical game. That understanding has guided our training this week. We have worked on intensity, duels and set-pieces so that we are ready for the battle tomorrow,” Loi said.

Maroons will be looking for a more controlled performance after conceding twice against Blacks Power despite taking an early lead.

The attacking department, however, has shown signs of promise. Maroons have scored five goals in their opening three league games, with Nunda's two goals against Ntugasaze and Oshaba's penalty among the early highlights.

The emergence of young forward Ismail Ali is another positive for the team. The youngster scored against Blacks Power and will be hoping to continue developing his partnership with the experienced players around him.

Ali says the team remains focused despite the result against Blacks Power.

“I was very happy to score my first goal for Maroons even though we lost. Myself and the whole team are fully committed to putting in a strong challenge against UPDF. We know the importance of this derby and we are ready for it,” he said.

Team News

Maroons will welcome back defender Derrick Basoga for the match.

However, captain Edward Kabona remains suspended and will serve at least one more game on the sidelines. Goalkeeper Amir Nalugoda is also unavailable for the fixture.

The rest of the squad is available for selection, giving coach Loi several options as he prepares his starting team.

Kabona's absence will be one of the issues to manage, given his leadership role in a team that has already experienced the pressure of playing with 10 men this season.

UPDF Seeking First Win

UPDF arrive at Hamz Stadium still searching for their first league victory of the season.

They have collected two points from three matches after drawing with Kataka and Police, while suffering a 2-1 defeat to Gaddafi FC. Their most recent league game ended 0-0 against Police on September 10.

The Army side have therefore conceded only two goals in their opening three matches, but have scored just once.

That record suggests Maroons could face a disciplined defensive unit, while UPDF will be looking for greater attacking output.

With both sides separated by just one point, the derby carries added importance in the early stages of the campaign.

More Than Three Points

Although the match is worth three league points, the fixture carries an added meaning because both clubs represent Uganda's security services.

Maroons, popularly known as the Jailers, are owned by the Uganda Prisons Service, while UPDF represent the Uganda People's Defence Force.

Their meetings have traditionally been competitive, with the close head-to-head record reflecting the narrow margins between the sides.

For Maroons, Thursday's game is also an opportunity to build on the positive aspects of their 3-1 victory over Ntugasaze, correct the mistakes from the Blacks Power defeat and return to winning ways.

The match is part of a busy Matchday Four programme that also includes Express FC against Kitara FC at Hamz Stadium later on Thursday. Other fixtures this week include KCCA against Kataka, Lugazi against Police, and Mbarara City against Entebbe UPPC.

Maroons will therefore enter the derby knowing that a positive result would strengthen their early-season position and provide an important boost ahead of the next phase of the league.

The Jailers will be hoping their supporters turn up in numbers at Nakivubo as the team seeks another strong performance in one of the league's closely followed inter-forces fixtures.

UPDF FC vs Maroons FC
StarTimes Uganda Premier League — Matchday 4
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo
Kick-off: 5:00pm