Unstoppable Vipers win an eighth UPL title

Vipers SC once again underlined their growing dominance in Ugandan football after sealing a record-extending eighth Uganda Premier League (UPL) title with a game to spare, further cementing their status as the country’s modern football powerhouse.

The Venoms confirmed the 2025/26 crown on Tuesday evening following a convincing 3-0 victory over Maroons FC at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku thanks Abdulkarim Watambala, Yunus Sentamu and Arafat Usama.

Their triumph was completed after closest challengers KCCA FC were held to a goalless draw by URA FC at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, leaving Vipers with an unassailable five-point lead heading into the final day of the campaign.

It was yet another reminder that regardless of the pressure from traditional giants KCCA and SC Villa and emerging challengers Kitara, BUL, UPPC Entebbe and NEC, Vipers remain the team to beat at the moment.

This latest success means the Venoms have now won five league titles in the last seven seasons, a remarkable achievement that reflects the consistency, ambition and stability established at the club under proprietor and president Lawrence Mulindwa.

While critics may argue that this was not Vipers at their most entertaining best, champions are often defined not only by flair but by their ability to grind out results over a long and demanding season. That is exactly what Ivan Minnaert’s side managed to do.

The Belgian tactician, working alongside assistant coach John Luyinda, guided Vipers through the campaign unbeaten on the pitch in 28 matches. Their only recorded defeat came through a FUFA disciplinary ruling after the club failed to honour a controversial fixture against Kitara in the disputed three-round league format.

Beyond the statistics, what stood out most about Vipers was their mentality. Even in games where performances were below their usual standards, they consistently found ways to collect points while their title rivals stumbled under pressure.

KCCA, Villa and Kitara all had moments where they appeared capable of sustaining a serious challenge, but none matched the consistency of the Venoms. KCCA won the same number of matches as Vipers 18 but costly defeats and inconsistency ultimately proved decisive.

Vipers, on the other hand, built their title charge on resilience, organisation and experience. Attacking midfielders such as Abdulkarim Watambala, Arafat Usama, and the defensive pair of Kevin Dyslyva and Hillary Mukundane provided leadership and quality throughout crucial stages of the season.

The triumph also highlights the strength of the project Mulindwa has built at Kitende. Through investment in player recruitment and technical staff, Vipers have transformed themselves into Uganda’s model club.

For many years, VEK clubs (Villa, Express and KCCA) dominated the local scene, but the balance of power has clearly shifted in the last decade. Vipers are now the standard every ambitious Ugandan club is chasing.

Winning another league title means Vipers will once again represent Uganda in the CAF Champions League next season after narrowly missing out on the group stages this year following elimination by Zambia’s Power Dynamos FC at the final qualifying round.

Uganda Premier League

Tuesday Results

Maroons 0 Vipers 3

URA 0 KCCA 0

Police 1 UPPC 1

UPDF 0 Calvary 0

BUL 1 Kitara 1

Express 0 Lugazi 0

Today, 8pm

NEC v SC Villa