Vipers Begin Title Defence Against Entebbe UPPC

Friday, August 28
Vipers SC vs Entebbe UPPC – 8:00 PM
St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende

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The long wait is over as the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season gets underway, with defending champions Vipers SC hosting Entebbe UPPC at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Friday night.

A lot has changed at Vipers since their triumph last season, with the club now under the guidance of new head coach Denis Lavagne.

The Venoms have also strengthened their squad with several new additions, including midfielder Joel Serunjogi, who joined from rivals KCCA FC, Nicholas Mwere from BUL FC, goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba, left-back Princewill Biweribo Tarabina and Jacquese Mangoba.

There has also been excitement surrounding the return of former stars Farouk Miya and Cesar Manzoki as Vipers begin their title defence.

Ahead of their opening fixture against Entebbe UPPC, captain Milton Karisa is confident that his side can make a strong start to the new campaign.

“The coaches have prepared us so well, so I believe we’re all ready to start the season with maximum points,” Karisa said.

Having recently won the FUFA Super Cup after defeating Kitara FC in the final, Vipers will be hoping to carry that momentum into the league as they begin their pursuit of more silverware.

For the visitors, Entebbe UPPC will be looking to make a positive start against the defending champions.

The Entebbe-based side remain under the stewardship of head coach Abdallah Mubiru, with Livingstone Mbabazi continuing as his assistant, as was the case last season.

Entebbe UPPC finished fifth last campaign with 51 points, recording one of the club’s best finishes and setting the stage for an even stronger challenge this season.

Like Vipers, Entebbe UPPC have been active in the transfer market, bringing in several new players, including right-back Grant Matsiko, Thomas Ochungu, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Sharif Ssengendo, Ntege Anwar, Moro Swadik, Barni Kelvin, Yanick Mitrail and Ronald Kayondo.

A positive result against the defending champions on Friday would provide a major boost to Entebbe UPPC’s ambitions of improving on last season’s fifth-place finish.