By Musa Kikuuno
As we celebrate Christmas, the relegation battle in the 2024/2025 StarTimes Uganda Premier League is proving to be a heated affair, with three clubs spending the holiday in the dreaded red zone.
After just 13 games, Bright Stars, Mable Heroes, and Wakiso Giants find themselves fighting for survival in Uganda’s top-flight league.
Bottom of the Table
At the bottom of the table in 16th place are Bright Stars, who have only managed 9 points from 2 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses.
With just 8 goals scored and 14 conceded, their struggles in both attack and defense have left them in dire straits.
In 15th place are Mbale Heroes, also with 9 points and a similar record to Bright Stars. However, they have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 23 goals while scoring only 6.
Wakiso Giants sit just above the bottom two in 14th place with 12 points from 12 games. Despite playing one less match, their record of 2 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses, alongside 8 goals scored and 21 conceded, puts them not close to but in danger.
Key Fixture: Wakiso Giants vs. Mbarara City
Wakiso Giants’ final game of the year on December 28th could be pivotal in shaping the relegation fight. They travel to Kakyeka Grounds to face Mbarara City, who sit in 13th place with 13 points. A win for either side would provide a much-needed boost to their survival hopes.
Mbarara City is tied on points with 12th-placed Lugazi FC, making the bottom half of the table extremely congested. With only four points separating 14th and 12th positions, every match could prove decisive.
Lessons from the Past
History shows that teams require at least 27 points to have a realistic chance of avoiding relegation in the Uganda Premier League.
Over the last five seasons, clubs with 27 or more points have generally survived, with the notable exception of Maroons FC, who were relegated in the 2021/2022 season despite amassing 28 points.
Last season (2023/2024), Busoga United, Gaddafi FC, and Arua Hills FC were relegated. Notably, Arua Hills FC were the first to be confirmed relegated, having failed to complete the second round of fixtures.
Gaddafi FC and Busoga United followed with 25 points each, while UPDF FC narrowly avoided relegation by finishing with 27 points.
Wakiso Giants, Mbale Heroes, and Bright Stars currently have fewer points than Busoga United had at this stage last season (12 points by Matchday 13), signaling the urgency for improvement in the second half of this campaign.
The Road Ahead
The league resumes on December 28th, with Mbarara City hosting Wakiso Giants in a crucial clash.
More fixtures follow on January 3, 2025, and the relegation fight promises to keep fans on edge. As things stand, only Vipers SC (28 points) and NEC FC (27 points) have surpassed the “safe zone” threshold, ensuring they will not drop into relegation danger.
For the remaining 14 teams, the battle is far from over, and every point will count as they aim to secure their place in next season’s top flight.
The fight for survival is on, and the coming months will test the resolve, strategy, and determination of clubs desperate to stay in Uganda’s top league.
