By Musa Kikuuno, Busoga Times Sports Writer
March 9, 2025 – It was a thrilling conclusion to Matchday 19 of the Uganda Premier League today, as Maroons secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory over SC Villa at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku. The win, which came in front of a raucous home crowd, added to Maroons’ growing momentum, putting them in the mix for an upper-table finish as the league race heats up.
Despite a valiant effort from the record champions, SC Villa couldn’t break down the resilient Maroons defense, which held firm throughout the game. The result brought the curtain down on a day filled with mixed fortunes for the league’s top contenders and relegation-threatened sides.
Elsewhere, defending champions Vipers continued their excellent form, edging Police FC 1-0 in a tense encounter at Kavumba Recreation Grounds. Vipers’ Allan Okello was once again the match-winner, taking his tally to 14 goals this season, cementing his place at the top of the league’s scoring charts.
High Drama and Tight Contests
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the top teams, though. Lugazi FC stunned Express with a narrow 1-0 victory at home, while BUL FC also triumphed by the same scoreline over Kitara FC. URA FC overcame UPDF FC 2-1 in a hard-fought contest, and Wakiso Giants held NEC FC to a 0-0 draw in a clash that ended in stalemate at Kabaka Kyabagu Stadium.
Meanwhile, Mbarara City and Bright Stars were also locked in a goalless draw, leaving both sides still looking for consistency in a campaign that has seen unpredictable results.
KCCA’s Stellar Performance
In one of the day’s most eye-catching results, KCCA FC demolished Mbale Heroes 5-0 at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo. The victory propelled KCCA to further solidify their place in the mid-table, although they remain somewhat distant from the top spots.
Relegation Battle Heating Up
The relegation battle continues to intensify, with Wakiso Giants, Bright Stars, and Mbale Heroes all struggling at the foot of the table. Wakiso Giants remain firmly in the danger zone after a frustrating goalless draw against NEC, sitting on just 14 points. Bright Stars are not far ahead with 12 points, while Mbale Heroes are stuck at the bottom with a meager 10 points.
Police FC, who have been faltering in recent weeks, are precariously perched just above the relegation zone in 13th place with 20 points, showing how tight the competition is at the lower end of the table.
Vipers Lead the Charge
As it stands, Vipers continue to lead the league with 46 points, closely followed by NEC FC with 41 points. BUL FC are third on 32 points, while URA FC are in fourth place with 30 points. Kitara FC, despite a challenging season, are hanging on in fifth with 28 points.
With the league resuming on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the pressure mounts for the clubs battling at both ends of the table. The upcoming fixtures include Mbale Heroes hosting Lugazi at Mbale City Stadium, UPDF welcoming KCCA, and Express facing Police FC in a clash that promises fireworks.
Top Scorer Race and Assist Kings
In the individual race for the golden boot, Vipers’ Allan Okello is leading the charge with 14 goals, followed by Sam Ssenyonjo of URA with 11 goals. Ivan Ahimbisibwe of URA and Jude Semugabi of Kitara are both in pursuit with 9 and 8 goals, respectively.
Meanwhile, the assist race sees Moses Aliro Okabo of URA leading with 5 assists, with NEC’s Pail Mucureezi and Vipers’ Abdul Karim Watambala both on 4 assists apiece.
Matchday 19 Results:
Police FC 0-1 Vipers
Lugazi FC 1-0 Express
BUL FC 1-0 Kitara FC
Wakiso Giants 0-0 NEC FC
URA FC 2-1 UPDF FC
Mbarara City 0-0 Bright Stars
KCCA 5-0 Mbale Heroes
SC Villa 0-2 Maroons
Current Standings:
Top 5:
Vipers – 46 points
NEC FC – 41 points
BUL FC – 32 points
URA FC – 30 points
Kitara FC – 28 points
Bottom 4:
13. Police FC – 20 points
- Wakiso Giants – 14 points
- Bright Stars – 12 points
- Mbale Heroes – 10 points
Top Scorers:
Allan Okello (Vipers) – 14 goals
Sam Ssenyonjo (URA) – 11 goals
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA) – 9 goals
Jude Semugabi (Kitara) – 8 goals
Assist Leaders:
Moses Aliro Okabo (URA) – 5 assists
Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC) – 4 assists
Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers) – 4 assists
