Vipers SC were officially crowned champions of the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League on Saturday following a 1-1 draw with Bright Stars at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, marking their seventh league title in club history.
Although the match ended in a stalemate, the celebrations had already been set in motion after Vipers clinched the title on Match Day 29 with a decisive win over Kitara.
They finish the season with 69 points, two ahead of NEC FC, who pushed the title race to the wire with a narrow 1-0 win over URA on the final day.
In Saturday’s encounter, Bright Stars struck first through John Kokas in the 60th minute, who latched onto a pass from Nelson Ssenkatuuka and slotted home with composure.
However, Vipers quickly responded when Allan Okello converted from the penalty spot after a handball by Andrew Kyambade, Okello’s 19th goal of the season, earning him the league’s Golden Boot.
With one eye on next week’s Uganda Cup final against KCCA FC, Vipers opted to rest several key players, including captain Milton Karisa and goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza.
Despite that, the game remained lively, with both teams creating chances. Bright Stars’ relegation was confirmed by the result, as they drop to the FUFA Big League after a difficult campaign.
This season’s success marks Vipers’ sixth league crown, adding to previous triumphs in 2009/10, 2014/15, 2017/18, 2019/20, 2021/22 and 2022/23.
The turnaround came under the stewardship of coaches John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza, who took over after a shaky start under Serbian Nikola Kavazovic, including a 3-1 opening defeat to NEC.
Vipers now set their sights on completing a domestic double when they take on KCCA FC in the Uganda Cup final next Saturday.
Final Day Results
- Vipers 1-1 Bright Stars
- NEC 1-0 URA
- Express 0-3 KCCA
- Mbale Heroes 1-6 Kitara
- UPDF 2-3 BUL
- Wakiso Giants 0-2 Police
- Maroons 2-0 Mbarara City
- Lugazi 0-1 SC Villa
