Usama Arafat called his move to Vipers SC “an opportunity to challenge myself at the highest level in Uganda” as the Uganda Premier League champions confirmed his signing on Monday.
The 21-year-old winger crossed from rivals KCCA FC after his contract expired, agreeing to a three-year deal.
Vipers unveiled him on their social media pages, praising his “creativity, flair and determination” to drive their title defence and continental campaign.
“I’m excited to join Vipers, one of the top clubs in Uganda,” Usama said.
“This is a big football family with ambition and a winning mentality. It’s a chance to grow, gain exposure, and help the team compete for trophies at home and in Africa.”
Usama leaves Lugogo as KCCA’s standout of the past two seasons, with 17 goals and 12 assists across competitions.
He captained Uganda’s U-20s to silver at the 2024 All-Africa Games and has 11 senior caps, including a run to the 2025 CHAN quarterfinals.
The move stings KCCA fans still reeling from Allan Okello’s departure, but for Usama it’s a return to familiar ground, he once studied at St. Mary’s Kitende, Vipers’ famed talent nursery.
At Kitende he joins a refreshed squad featuring Robin Kane Hney, Odili Chukwuma, Mark Yallah, Taddeo Lwanga, Kevin Dasylva Bady, Ashraf Mandela, and Enock Ssebaggala.
He will wear his preferred No. 27 shirt and compete for minutes alongside Milton Karisa, Allan Okello, and Yunus Sentamu.
Vipers open their CAF Champions League campaign Friday against Namibia’s African Stars in South Africa, a match that may come too soon for Usama’s debut.
But with domestic and continental trophies in sight, both player and club believe his arrival signals bigger ambitions.
“This is about contributing to the legacy of a team that has achieved a lot,” he said. “I’m eager to train hard and make a positive impact for Vipers SC.”
