Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC are basking not just in the glory of their latest title win, but also in the goodwill of fellow top-flight clubs who have come out in numbers to congratulate the newly crowned kings of Ugandan league football.
The Venoms sealed the 2024/25 title in style with one game to spare, after a commanding 2-0 away win over Kitara at Royal Park Stadium in Hoima on Wednesday.
Goals from Gusto Mulongo and Yunus Sentamu confirmed Vipers’ dominance this season, lifting them to an unassailable 68 points; four clear of second-placed NEC, with one game to spare.
What followed was a rare wave of unity in Ugandan football.
NEC, one of Vipers’ fiercest title rivals this season, led the tributes, tweeting: “Congratulations to Vipers on a hard-fought championship! Respect—well done, champs! #Diehards.”
NEC’s message was widely lauded by fans for its humility and sportsmanship, with a number of the Diehards’ supporters saying that they’ll come back stronger next season.
Congratulations to Vipers on a hard-fought championship!
Respect—well done, champs! #Diehards https://t.co/jvrOlmgPtl
— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) May 14, 2025
BUL, who had dented Vipers’ title celebrations just days earlier with a 1-0 win in Jinja, took a more humorous approach, posting: “White smoke was spotted in Hoima yesterday, congratulations Venoms.”
The metaphor of white smoke, used traditionally to signify a new pope, cleverly signified Vipers’ official coronation as champions.
Wakiso Giants, fellow residents of Wakiso District with Vipers, also chimed in with a heartfelt message to their neighbours.
“Congratulations to @VipersSC on winning your 7th @UPL title! A remarkable achievement, well deserved. From all of us at Wakiso Giants, kudos and respect!”
White smoke was spotted in Hoima yesterday, congratulations Venoms https://t.co/XK7BV5lCf2
— BUL FOOTBALL CLUB (@Bulfc1) May 15, 2025
Mbarara City kept it short and classy, tweeting: “Congratulations @VipersSC on a well-deserved victory.”
Their message echoed sentiments shared by many who acknowledged the Venoms’ consistent performance throughout the campaign.
SC Villa, the defending champions, also paid their respects, acknowledging the new titleholders despite falling short in their own title defence.
Congratulations! 👏🏿🎉 https://t.co/2oxTLxxXLM
— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) May 14, 2025
Kitara, who lost to Vipers in the decisive fixture, took the high road despite the sting of defeat and congratulated their opponents.
Other clubs that joined the chorus included URA and UPDF.
However, by the time of this story’s writing, KCCA, Express, and Maroons, as well as Lugazi, Mbale Heroes, Police, and Soltilo Bright Stars, have yet to send in their congratulatory messages.
Vipers’ triumph marks their seventh Uganda Premier League title, adding to their previous wins in 2009/10, 2014/15, 2017/18, 2019/20, 2021/22, and 2022/23.
Congratulations @VipersSC 🤝 https://t.co/uFJv0XmIWP
— Kitara Football Club (The Royals) (@KitarafcHoima) May 14, 2025
Under the stewardship of John Ayala Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza, attention for Vipers now shifts to a potential domestic double.
The Venoms carry a 1-0 aggregate lead into the second leg of the Stanbic Uganda Cup semifinal, once again against Kitara, this weekend in Hoima.
A win would put them within touching distance of reclaiming the Cup they last won in 2023.
Their final league game will be a celebratory affair at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, where they will host relegated Soltilo Bright Stars and officially lift the trophy before their home supporters.
