Vipers out to tighten grip on UPL top spot against URA

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Uganda Premier League

Wakiso v SC Villa (4:00pm)

Vipers v URA (7:00pm)

Under the floodlights at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, Vipers SC will begin their second-round campaign in the Uganda Premier League on Tuesday with a crucial home clash against Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

The Venoms finished the first round atop the table with 34 points from 15 matches, holding a narrow one-point lead over NEC FC. However, their grip on the top spot is far from secure, as any slip-up against URA could see NEC leapfrog them—provided they overcome KCCA on Thursday at the Philip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

Vipers enter this encounter brimming with confidence. They remain unbeaten at home this season, and their attacking arsenal has been further bolstered by the arrival of forward Isaac Ogwang from Police FC. Ogwang, who netted six goals in the first round, joins an already lethal frontline led by Allan Okello (11 goals) and club captain Milton Karisa (7 goals). The trio is expected to start and will pose a major threat to URA’s defence.

The last meeting between these two sides at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo in November saw Vipers claim a comfortable 2-0 victory, with Okello and Karisa both finding the net. A repeat performance would send a strong message about their title ambitions.

Despite NEC breathing down their necks, Vipers assistant coach John Luyinda remains unfazed.

“The situation is calm; we are under no pressure. We just focus on ourselves and our goal to win every game we play. The second round will be competitive, but we are ready for the challenge,” Luyinda told Vision Sport.

In addition to Ogwang, Vipers have reinforced their squad by re-signing midfielder Marvin Joseph Youngman from Soltilo Bright Stars and promoting teenage prospect Claude Wakenge from St Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende.

Meanwhile, URA, currently fifth with 24 points, opted not to make any signings in the January window. This suggests that head coach Alex Isabirye has full confidence in his squad. The match also carries personal significance for Isabirye, who led Vipers to a domestic double in the 2022/23 season before being dismissed the following year after a fallout with the club’s management.

To cause an upset at Kitende, URA will look to key attackers such as Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Geoffrey Ssekibengo, Bruno Bunyaga, and Joseph Ssemujju.

Elsewhere, defending champions SC Villa continue their search for a first away win this season as they take on relegation-threatened Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabaggu Grounds. Villa currently sit eighth with 20 points, while Wakiso languishes in 14th place with just 12 points.