Ugandan international and experienced striker Fred Amaku has departed 2023/24 Uganda Cup winners Kitara FC ahead of a move to 2024/25 Uganda Premier League runners-up NEC FC, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
Amaku, who joined Kitara at the start of last season, leaves after just one year, with his contract set to expire on June 30. The forward opted not to renew his stay, turning down an improved two-year offer that was tabled last week.
A source close to the player has exclusively disclosed to Footy-Africa that Amaku was swayed by NEC’s project, which includes continental football. The Diehards will represent Uganda in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup. According to the source, Amaku and NEC have reached an agreement in principle, and he is expected to sign a two-year contract once he becomes a free agent.
“He (Amaku) is already out at Kitara, as he declined their new two-year contract proposal last week. He has an agreement with NEC, and with the promise of continental football next season, it was easy to convince him. The financial terms aren’t much different from what Kitara offered—his decision was more about the kind of project NEC is building,” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Last season at Kitara, Amaku struggled to replicate his previous form, scoring just five goals and providing three assists in 26 matches across all competitions. He joined Kitara from Maroons FC, where he spent three seasons, making 68 appearances and registering 29 goals and 11 assists. He has also featured for Busoga United in the past.
At the national level, the 29-year-old has made five appearances for the Uganda Cranes, scoring once and providing one assist. He is among the players expected to represent the country at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
