The 2023/2024 Uganda Premier League finale over the weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions. It was like four teams trying to win a chess game but unfortunately in different regions. 

Vipers had outfoxed all their title-chasing opponents as early as the third minute of the game against Mbarara City and they truly believed they were going to retain the title.

However, late goals from SC Villa at Philip Omondi stadium denied Vipers back-to-back triumphs in the Uganda Premier League. 

Meanwhile, BUL and Kitara who had given their best throughout the season saw their hope of landing their first-ever title smashed out of the window by an SC Villa side that was determined to win their record 17th title.

UPL fans were awarded a huge moment of celebration by such a great season and sealed off by an emotional fairytale for all four teams (Kitara, BUL, Vipers) and eventual champions SC Villa who after 20 years finally tasted glory.

Kitara set the ball rolling

The Masindi-based side launched their title bid on their first time of asking, which is a rare story in the Uganda Premier League. Only Onduparaka, Tooro United, Mbarara City, and Arua Hill toppled the big boys through good performances in the last decade but nowhere near winning the title. 

But Kitara’s 2-1 win against last season’s second runners-up SC Villa in their first game was a big statement of intent. 

Many might have cut SC Villa some slack after that result considering that they were in transition. 

Kitara followed that result with convincing performances against UPDF, Gadafi, Wakiso Giants, and a KCCA side that looked indifferent after the rough landing with their new coach Sergio Traguil. 

After five games in, Kitara were handed with reality of playing in a top-flight football but despite that, they never gave in, instead kept picking up positive results until everyone saw them as title contenders. 

Winning a title is no catwalk and along the way Kitara let pressure and other myriad factors sabotage their dream. 

BUL on the other side, is a victim of their progress. 16 wins and 5 losses does not flatter them and without a doubt, they are a team with great position but lack a clear direction.

Vipers' ego was finally scratched by underdogs and a heartbroken SC Villa that made the most of a dramatic title race.