Rickman returns to football after music break, joins Express FC

• Rickman Rickie has joined Express FC after leaving competitive football for entertainment.

• The musician and radio presenter returns after a knee injury ended his spell in Sweden.

• Express FC also signed goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya and defender Shafik Batambuze.

• The club is rebuilding its squad ahead of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.

Ugandan musician and radio presenter Derrick Ddungu, popularly known as Rickman Manrick, has returned to competitive football after signing for Express FC ahead of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.

Express FC announced Rickman among three new signings on Friday as the club continues to rebuild its squad before the new campaign. The Red Eagles also added goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya and defender Shafik Batambuze.

Rickman, who started his career as a footballer, returns to the game after spending several years in the entertainment industry.

The forward had moved into music after a knee injury interrupted his football career during a short spell in Sweden. He later released several hit songs and became a radio presenter at 106.5 NRG Radio.

His return adds experience to an Express side seeking to strengthen its squad. The club described the new signings as players with experience from different leagues.

Kigonya has played in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, while Batambuze featured in Kenya and Tanzania.

Express is also working on bringing back former players, including Isaac Wagoina, who rejoined the club after two seasons at BUL FC.

There are also reports that Alpha Thierry Ssali could return from KCCA, where he has struggled for regular playing time.

The 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season is scheduled to start on August 28, 2026.