By Musa Kikuuno
The Uganda Premier League (UPL) heads into a festive break with the six time winners Vipers SC reclaiming their position at the summit after a resounding 4-0 victory over Mbale Heroes at the Mbale Municipal Stadium on Friday.
Milton Karisa opened the scoring for the Venoms in the 10th minute before magician Allan Okello dazzled the crowd with a brilliant brace, netting in the 74th minute and extending his tally to 10 goals—placing him atop the league’s scoring charts.
Milton Karisa added a second late in the game, taking his season tally to 7 goals, placing him just behind his team mate Allan Okello, SC Villa’s Charles Lwanga and URA’s Ivan Ahimbisibwe.
This victory sees Vipers move to 28 points from 13 matches, one point clear of NEC FC, who remain second after a 1-1 draw with BUL FC earlier in the week.
Vipers also extended their unbeaten run to 12 games since their defeat to NEC FC.Mbale Heroes, however, remain in the relegation zone with just 9 points from 13 games.
In other notable matches, two of the league’s most successful teams—KCCA FC and SC Villa—played to a 1-1 stalemate at Lugogo Stadium on Friday.
Sadat Anaku gave KCCA the lead in the 63rd minute with a sublime header from an Etienne Katenga cross.
But last season’s MVP Patrick Jonah Kakande capitalized on a defensive error by Mustafa Mujjuuzo to equalize five minutes later.
The draw leaves KCCA winless at home in their last three games, sitting third on the table with 23 points, five behind the leaders.
SC Villa remains winless on the road this season, languishing in 7th place with 17 points.
Other Highlights from Matchday 13
URA FC 1-0 Lugazi FC: Ivan Ahimbisibwe’s decisive strike handed Lugazi their first loss under coach Steven Bogere. Ahimbisibwe now has 9 goals for the season.
Maroons FC 2-1 Police FC: Ivan Di Maria’s brace secured Maroons’ win over Police, marking the latter’s first home defeat this season.
Bright Stars 2-1 UPDF FC: Goals from Warren Buule and Ashiraf Mulindi lifted Bright Stars to their second win of the season.
BUL FC 1-1 NEC FC: Cromwell Rwothomio and Nicholas Mwere ensured both sides shared the spoils at Lugazi Stadium.
League Standings at the Break
As the league pauses for Christmas, New Year, and the CHAN qualifiers, here’s how the table stands:
Vipers SC – 28 pts
NEC FC – 27 pts
KCCA FC – 23 pts
URA FC – 21 pts
Express FC – 19 pts
Maroons FC – 19 pts
SC Villa – 17 pts
Police FC – 17 pts
UPDF FC – 17 pts
BUL FC – 16 pts
Kitara FC – 14 pts
Lugazi FC – 13 pts
Mbarara City – 13 pts
Wakiso Giants – 9 pts
Mbale Heroes – 9 pts
Bright Stars – 9 pts
Top Scorers
Allan Okello (Vipers) – 10 goals
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA) – 9 goals
Charles Lwanga (SC Villa) – 8 goals
Milton Karisa (Vipers) – 7 goals
Samuel Ssenyonjo (Police) – 7 goals
The UPL will resume on January 2, 2025, after the CHAN qualifiers, with Uganda Cranes set to face Burundi on December 26 and 29 at Nakivubo Stadium.
Many league players, summoned by coach Paul Put, are expected to feature prominently as CHAN is reserved for home-based talent.
Until then, league action continues this Saturday, December 21, as Kitara hosts Express at Butema Grounds in Hoima at 4 PM.
