Why Express Made Decision to Appoint Jimmy Kintu as Head Coach

Uganda Premier League giants Express FC have officially confirmed the appointment of Jimmy Kintu Mweru as their new head coach, signaling a fresh direction for the Wankulukuku-based side as they navigate the ongoing season.

Kintu takes over the hot seat following the sudden departure of Badru Kaddu Mukasa, who exited the club last week to join NEC FC. 

In a bid to strengthen the technical bench, the Red Eagles have also secured the services of Richard Malinga, the former Mbale Heroes tactician, who will serve as the assistant coach.

The managerial shake-up comes at a crucial time for the seven-time league champions as they look to regain their footing in the top flight. 

Express currently sits in 7th place on the log, having gathered only eight points from the opening six rounds of league matches, with just two victories recorded this season.

“To the new era…Join us in welcoming our new head coach, Mr Kintu Jimmy Mwera, and assistant coach Mr Malinga Richard.,” it reads.

The club believes that this change in leadership is necessary to revitalize the squad and improve performance. The official statement from the club elaborated on the expectations placed on the new technical team.

“Both coaches join us with high ambitions and a tactical approach to propel the club to the next level. “Kintu who left Calvary in the aftermath of a 4-2 defeat to Entebbe UPPC in Yumbe will be assisted by former Mbale Heroes coach Richard Malinga.

 The duo finds the Red Eagles in 7th place with 8 points after six rounds of league matches and have won just two matches this season..” it conduded

Kintu replaces Kaddu Badiru Mukasa just three months after he signed a new two-year contract with the Red Eagles.

 Mukasa’s history with the club was notable; he joined Express at the start of last season as assistant to Baker Mbowa, before taking charge on an interim basis following Mbowa’s sacking.

During his tenure, Mukasa earned praise for his philosophy. Under his interim leadership, Express displayed some of their best football in recent seasons, giving youngsters like Hakim Wandera and John Asiimwe the platform to impress. However, his move to NEC FC forced the Red Eagles to act quickly to fill the void.

Kintu joins Express with a point to prove following a difficult stint at his previous club. On the pitch, Calvary has endured a difficult start to life in the Uganda Premier League, losing four of their opening five matches and drawing once.

Context surrounding his departure from Calvary suggests significant internal challenges. 

Reports indicate that both the coach and the playing staff have gone four months without pay, a situation that has created an increasingly strained working environment for the team in their debut season in the top flight. 

Kintu’s exit makes him the second coach to leave his role this season, following Hussein Mbalangu’s recent dismissal from NEC Football Club.

Now at Wankulukuku, Kintu and Malinga must focus on immediate results. Their first task will be a trip to Najjembe to face Lugazi FC after the international break. While Express looks forward, Kintu’s former club, Calvary, will be hoping to bounce back when they face UPDF FC on Wednesday, November 19.