Defending champions Vipers have pulled out of their Uganda Premier League opener against Kitara throwing the start of the 2025/26 season into uncertainty.
The match, set for Saturday at Namboole Stadium, was due to headline a season-opening double header alongside KCCA’s clash with SC Villa.
But in a strongly worded statement signed by club president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, Vipers announced they would not honor the fixture or any other league engagements under the new competition format.
“Vipers will not engage in any further league engagements under the new format until a resolution to the raised concerns is met. We shall pursue all available avenues within the confines of football laws to seek redress,” the statement read.
Vipers have been among the most outspoken critics of the revised league structure, joined initially by SC Villa, and NEC. While those clubs later softened their stance and agreed to play, the Kitende side has remained firm in opposition.
The move leaves league organizers with an immediate crisis: whether to reschedule the match, hand Kitara a walkover, or risk a wider standoff with the champions.
