Vipers Open Talks to Sign Right-Back

Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have opened talks to sign BUL FC right-back Hilary Onek, Sports Light Uganda understands.

According to reliable sources, the Venoms have made an inquiry about the defender as they explore the possibility of bringing him to St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Onek, who has one year remaining on his contract with BUL FC, is reportedly unlikely to extend his stay at the club.

This has prompted BUL to consider a transfer in order to receive a fee rather than risk losing the player on a free transfer when his contract expires.

The defender signed a three-year contract extension with BUL FC in 2023, a deal that runs until 2027.

With Vipers set to compete in the CECAFA Kagame Cup, FUFA Super 8, FUFA Super Cup, CAF Champions League, Uganda Premier League, and Uganda Cup next season, the club is keen to strengthen its squad with quality, experience, and depth.

Onek earned promotion to the BUL FC senior team in 2021 after impressing with the club’s junior side. He went on to play a key role in BUL FC’s historic Uganda Cup triumph in 2022.

At youth level, Onek was part of the BUL Junior Team that won the 2018-19 FUFA Juniors League title after defeating KCCA FC Junior Team in the final.

Should the move materialise, Vipers may be forced to reshape their options at right-back.

The club currently has Nicholas Wadada, Grant Matsiko, and Ashraf Mandela competing for places, with reports suggesting that two of them could leave if Onek arrives.

Vipers have already strengthened their squad by signing versatile defender Nicholas Mwere on a three-year contract following the expiry of his deal with BUL FC.

The Venoms have also agreed a three-year contract with Uganda Cranes midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, who is set to join as a free agent after leaving KCCA FC.