Vipers were crowned champions of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on Saturday, May 27, following a thrilling final round of games in which SC Villa suffered a defeat against URA FC, relinquishing their two-point advantage.
This victory marks Vipers’ sixth Uganda Premier League title within a span of 13 years. However, this particular triumph stands out due to the manner in which they secured it. They clinched the title by having a superior goal difference over KCCA FC after SC Villa faltered on the last day of the season.
On the dramatic Saturday afternoon, Vipers displayed composure and dominance as they thrashed Busoga United 5-0 at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. Meanwhile, SC Villa suffered a 0-1 loss against URA FC at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
Prior to the final games, SC Villa had established a two-point lead at the top of the 15-team table. The Jogoos required a victory over URA FC to end their 19-year title drought. Unfortunately, they were unable to secure the win, resulting in the title slipping away to Kitende. Vipers finished level on 53 points with KCCA FC, who also achieved a resounding 5-0 victory against Bright Stars on the same day.
However, the team known as the Venoms, Vipers’ nickname, secured the championship with a superior goal difference of 27 compared to KCCA’s 21, after competing in 28 games.
Having clinched the league title, Vipers will now shift their focus toward completing a domestic double triumph.
As the champions based in Kitende, they have advanced to the semifinals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup. In the first leg, they dominated Bright Stars with a commanding 4-0 lead. The second leg match is scheduled for Tuesday, May 30, at Kavumba Recreational Ground.
Assuming Vipers successfully qualify, which is widely anticipated, they will face Police FC in the Uganda Cup final, set to take place in Lira next month.
FINAL ROUND RESULTS: Vipers 5 Busoga United 0; SC Villa 0 URA FC 1; KCCA FC 5 Bright Stars 0; UPDF FC 1 Onduparaka 4; Blacks Power 3 Express FC 1; Maroons FC 0 BUL FC 0; Arua Hill 1 Wakiso Giants 0