Vipers Sports Club sealed a seventh StarTimes Uganda Premier League title on Wednesday after a composed 2-0 win away to Kitara FC in Hoima.
Goals in either half from Mulongo and Yunus were enough to wrap up the 2024/25 crown with a game to spare, underlining the Venoms’ growing dominance in Ugandan football.
The victory sparked scenes of celebration among travelling supporters, with the club later declaring on X: “UPL Champions 2024/25. We know what we are.”
It is the third league title in four seasons for Vipers, who have now lifted the trophy in 2010, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2025 – a clear sign of sustained success since the club’s rebranding from Bunamwaya FC in 2012.
Midfield control and clinical finishing
In a match that was tightly contested through the middle of the park, Marvin Joseph Youngman stood out with a composed performance. The club praised him for “bossing the midfield” in a fixture they could not afford to lose.
Mulongo opened the scoring in the 14th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to put the visitors ahead. Yunus added the second in the 67th minute, finishing off a swift team move that left Kitara’s backline exposed.
Karisa’s heartfelt tribute
Captain Milton Karisa, who provided his sixth assist of the season during the match, paid an emotional tribute to late teammate Abubaker Lawal.
Posting on X after the final whistle, Karisa wrote: “All the sweat, all the grind, worth it. With my 6th assist today. Victory feels different without you [Abubaker Lawal]. If I had a dollar for every goal and fine moment you gave us, I’d buy a whole stadium.”
Lawal, a league and Uganda Cup winner with Vipers, died under mysterious circumstances on 24 February 2025. His absence has been felt throughout the campaign.
Respect and celebration
While Vipers celebrated, Kitara FC showed class in defeat, writing: “Congratulations @VipersSC.” The league debutants have impressed many this season and remain in the running for a top-four finish.
Vipers also acknowledged their main title challengers NEC FC, thanking them “for pushing us all the way to the end.”
Fans and well-wishers flooded social media with congratulatory messages. Musician Jowy Landa shared: “Congratulations my team, I am super proud of you,” while another fan posted simply: “In memory of Abubaker Lawal.”
Record of success
With this latest triumph, Vipers SC further cement their status among Uganda’s football elite. The club’s honours now include:
- 7 Uganda Premier League titles
- 3 Uganda Cups (2016, 2021, 2023)
- 1 Super Cup (2015)
- 1 Super 8 Cup (2019)
Long-time sponsors including Hima Cement, Plascon, and ZC joined the celebrations. Hima Cement, a key partner, wrote: “Hima Cement stands with champions, always.”
Founded in 1969 as Bunamwaya FC, the club adopted the name Vipers SC in 2012 in a bid to reach a broader national audience and professional identity.
The league concludes on Sunday, but with the title race already decided, all that remains is a coronation. Vipers SC — once again — are champions of Uganda.
