The Uganda Premier League returns today after a month-long break, with two matches lined up including a blockbuster clash under the lights at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Table leaders Vipers SC host fifth-placed URA at 7 pm in what promises to be a thrilling encounter as both sides seek to start the second round on a strong note.
Vipers, six-time league champions, ended the first round in fine form, winning their last three matches against Mbale Heroes (4-0), UPDF (1-0), and Maroons (1-0).
With 34 points from 15 matches, they sit one point ahead of second-placed NEC, and will be eager to extend their lead before their closest challengers play later in the week.
URA, meanwhile, head into this fixture with 24 points and an opportunity to cut the gap to seven points if they secure victory.
Under the guidance of former Vipers coach Alex Isabirye, the Tax Collectors will be looking to overcome a recent poor run against their hosts, having lost their last three league meetings to the Venoms without scoring a goal.
Recent Meetings & Head-to-Head
Vipers have dominated recent clashes, winning the last three encounters 2-0, including the first-round fixture at Nakivubo where Allan Okello and captain Milton Karisa were on target.
Historically, however, URA holds a better head-to-head record, winning 16 of their 40 league meetings, compared to Vipers’ 11 victories, with 13 draws between the two sides.
Team News
Vipers captain Milton Karisa has returned to training after a quadriceps injury but remains doubtful for full match action.
Striker Yunus Sentamu is available again after serving a one-match suspension, while new signing Isaac Ogwang could make his debut after being named in the squad.
However, midfielder Marvin Youngman, another new arrival, is unavailable as he serves a suspension carried over from his time at Soltilo Bright Stars.
URA will look to capitalize on Vipers’ defensive absences, with left-back Derrick Ndahiro also serving the last of his two-match suspension, and the presence of their star striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who has netted 9 goals so far, could prove vital
The Tax Collectors have struggled on the road this season, losing their last away game at SC Villa, and will need a strong performance to avoid another setback.
What’s at Stake?
A win for Vipers would see them complete a rare league double over URA for the second consecutive season, having triumphed in both meetings last term.
More importantly, it would open up a four-point lead over NEC before their highly anticipated clash with KCCA later in the week.
For URA, this match presents an opportunity to break their losing streak against the Venoms and mount a late push for the title race.
A win would put them back in contention and boost confidence ahead of the grueling second round.
Elsewhere in the League
Reigning champions SC Villa visit Wakiso Giants in today’s early kickoff at 4 PM, looking to revive their campaign after a disappointing first round.
The second round action continues across the week, culminating with NEC hosting KCCA in a high-stakes Lugogo derby on Thursday.
