Lavagne tips Vipers' new signings to make immediate impact
The French tactician said each player was carefully identified to improve the team's depth ahead of another demanding campaign.
L-R: Vipers' new signings Joel Sserunjogi, Nicholas Mwere and Jacques Mangoba. (Courtesy photo)
________________
Vipers SC head coach Denis Lavagne believes the club's new signings have the quality, experience and mentality to help the Kitende-based side compete for honours on all fronts next season.
Vipers have completed the signings of defender Nicholas Mwere, Democratic Republic of Congo right-back Jacques Mangoba and Uganda Cranes midfielder Joel Sserunjogi as they continue strengthening their squad.
The French tactician said each player was carefully identified to improve the team's depth ahead of another demanding campaign.
"Nicholas is a defender with great discipline, versatility and consistency. He can perform in different positions across the backline, which is extremely valuable over the course of a long season. His attitude, experience in the league and desire to improve make him an excellent addition to our squad," Lavagne said.
Mwere, 25, joined the Venoms on a two-year contract after his deal with BUL FC expired.
The versatile defender, who can play at centre-back and in both full-back positions, arrives after three impressive seasons in Jinja, where he made 69 Uganda Premier League appearances and established himself as one of the league's most reliable defenders.
He has also represented Uganda at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and previously featured for the national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes.
Lavagne also welcomed the arrival of Mangoba, saying the Congolese defender will bring valuable experience to the squad.
"Jacques is a defender with the physical attributes, experience and mentality we were looking for. He understands the demands of African football, brings quality in both defence and attack, and will strengthen our options in an important position. We are pleased to welcome him to Vipers SC," he said.
Mangoba signed a two-year contract after spells with DR Congo giants AS Vita Club and AS Simba before featuring for Angolan side Sagrada Esperança.
Lavagne also backed new midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, who joined from KCCA FC on a three-year contract.
"Joel is a player with intelligence, personality and great technical quality. After studying his qualities, it was clear he possesses the attributes we want in this team. He will add balance and creativity to our midfield, and we are delighted to welcome him to Vipers SC," Lavagne added.
The 24-year-old Uganda Cranes midfielder is one of Vipers' marquee signings as the club looks to build on last season's league triumph.
The Venoms are preparing for a demanding campaign that includes defending the Uganda Premier League title, competing for the Stanbic Uganda Cup, representing Uganda at the CECAFA Kagame Cup and challenging in the CAF Champions League.
Vipers are among the 12 clubs confirmed for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, which will be held in Rwanda from July 24 to August 8 at Amahoro National Stadium and Kigali Pele Stadium.
The Venoms will be Uganda's only representatives at the tournament and will be chasing their first CECAFA Kagame Cup title.
Uganda had no representative at last year's tournament in Tanzania, where Singida Black Stars were crowned champions.
Only SC Villa, KCCA, Police FC and Express FC have previously won the regional championship for Uganda.
Hosts Rwanda will be represented by APR FC and Rayon Sports, while record six-time champions Simba SC return to the competition for the first time since 2018. Ethiopia, Eritrea and Burundi will not have representatives at this year's tournament.
Confirmed teams for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup:
APR FC (Rwanda)
Rayon Sports FC (Rwanda)
Simba SC (Tanzania)
Vipers SC (Uganda)
Al Hilal SC (Sudan)
Al Merrikh SC (Sudan)
Gor Mahia FC (Kenya)
Mogadishu City FC (Somalia)
Jamus SC (South Sudan)
FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti)
KVZ FC (Zanzibar)