FUFA declares Kitara winners after Vipers fail to honour UPL match

The FUFA Disciplinary Panel has delivered its long-awaited ruling on the controversial Uganda Premier League (UPL) fixture between Kitara and Vipers that was never played under the now-suspended three-round league format.

In its decision released today, the panel found Vipers SC guilty of failing to honour the scheduled match on September 26, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

“Vipers SC is found guilty of failing to honour a scheduled fixture in breach of Article 16 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code. The match is declared lost by Vipers by forfeiture,” part of the ruling stated.

However, the panel declined to impose additional sanctions.

“Relying on the discretion provided under Article 5 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code, we will not impose additional sanctions of docking points and three goals from those already accumulated or to be accumulated,” the ruling further read.

The panel concluded by stating that no further sanctions would be issued and that the decision should be considered final.

As a result of the forfeiture, Kitara have been awarded three points. Combined with their 1-0 victory over Maroons in Luzira today, they climb to second place on the UPL standings with 35 points, just one behind leaders Vipers (36) ahead of their Friday fixture against BUL at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Background to the Dispute

The controversy stems from FUFA’s decision last year to introduce a three-round league format for the 2025/2026 season, replacing the traditional two-round system.

The new format was met with strong resistance from sections of stakeholders, including fans and several clubs. Vipers were among the most vocal opponents, arguing that the format was controversial and had been imposed without adequate consultation.

On the opening day of the campaign, FUFA and the UPL Secretariat organised a double-header at Namboole. Kitara were scheduled to host Vipers in the early kick-off, followed by KCCA against SC Villa later under the floodlights.

Prior to the match, Vipers wrote to FUFA indicating they would not honour the fixture under the new arrangement. Kitara turned up as scheduled, but Vipers did not. The later match between KCCA and SC Villa went ahead, though it was played in front of empty stands as fans boycotted the event.

Amid mounting pressure, FUFA later suspended the three-round format and reverted to the traditional two-round system. Vipers subsequently ended their boycott and resumed participation in the league. FUFA also confirmed that results from matches already played would be retained, stating they were compatible with the restored format.

With the disciplinary ruling now issued, attention turns to whether Vipers will challenge the decision or accept the outcome and move forward particularly after avoiding the harsher sanctions that had been widely speculated, including a potential six-point point deduction and a three-goal penalty.