Matchday 25 of the Uganda Premier League lights up this Thursday with two crucial clashes, as title-chasing Vipers SC travel to Luzira to face Maroons FC while Express FC welcome UPDF to Nakivubo with an eye on a season double.
- Maroons vs Vipers SC – Luzira Prison Grounds | 4 PM
League leaders Vipers SC step onto the Luzira turf with confidence high and stakes even higher. Fresh from edging SC Villa 1-0 in the Uganda Cup quarterfinals thanks to a decisive strike from captain Milton Karisa. The Venoms now turn their full focus to extending their five-point lead at the top of the league table.
However, Karisa has sounded the alarm. The seasoned winger remembers all too well how Maroons proved a thorn in Vipers’ title chase last season, holding them twice as Vipers eventually lost the crown to Villa.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” Karisa admitted. “But we are determined. Our togetherness as a unit will be key.”
A win for Vipers would put them eight points clear of second-placed NEC whom they beat convincingly 3-1 in their last league outing.
But Maroons, who are winless in their past 12 meetings with Vipers will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to UPDF. Playing at home, they’ll look to upset the league’s top dogs and reignite their campaign.
- Express FC vs UPDF – Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo | 7 PM
Later in the evening, Nakivubo will host another intriguing encounter as Express FC battles UPDF in a mid-table clash loaded with pride and momentum.
The Red Eagles won the reverse fixture 2-0 in Bombo with Conrad Ssenjogera and Sam Ssenyonjo doing the damage in the second half.
Now, head coach Badru Kaddu is looking to string back-to-back wins for the first time since January, following a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Mbale Heroes.
“Consistency is key at this stage,” Kaddu said, “And winning again will show our progress.”
UPDF won’t be short on belief either, having stunned Maroons last week. They sit level on 32 points with Express with the latter narrowly ahead thanks to a head-to-head advantage.
The visitors will hope to reverse recent history, as they haven’t beaten Express since a 1-0 win back in 2021.
The football feast continues on Friday and Saturday with key fixtures lined up. Friday sees Lugazi host Soltilo Bright Stars, Police take on URA in Kavumba and NEC battle Mbale Heroes under the Lugogo lights.
Saturday promises fireworks with BUL vs Wakiso Giants, SC Villa vs Kitara and a night clash between KCCA and Mbarara City.
Friday, April 25, 2025
- Lugazi vs Soltilo Bright Stars – Najjembe | 4 PM
- Police vs URA – Kavumba 4 PM
- NEC vs Mbale Heroes – Lugogo 7 PM
Saturday, April 26, 2025
- BUL vs Wakiso Giants – Wakisha | 4 PM
- SC Villa vs Kitara – Wankulukuku | 4 PM
- KCCA vs Mbarara City – Lugogo | 7 PM
