League leaders Vipers SC will be on high alert when they welcome NEC FC for a Uganda Premier League clash under the lights at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Tuesday.
The Venoms remain top of the table but face a tricky assignment against an NEC side currently enjoying a strong run of results.
The two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw during the reverse fixture at Lugogo, and Tuesday’s encounter is expected to be equally competitive.
NEC arrive in Kitende with confidence soaring after stretching their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions.
Their latest statement performance was a convincing 3-1 victory over city rivals KCCA FC, a result that further strengthened belief within the Bugolobi-based camp.
Vipers, on the other hand, have also been solid this season, having not suffered defeat on the pitch.
However, they were recently held to a 1-1 draw by BUL FC, a result that came at a time when the title race has tightened.
The Kitende outfit’s advantage at the summit has been reduced to only two points, following the recent decision that saw them lose three points to Kitara FC through forfeiture.
Adding spice to the showdown is the presence of several former Vipers players expected to line up for NEC.
Ibrahim Kiyemba, Richard Basangwa, Joseph Dhata, Paul Mucureezi and Siraje Sentamu could all face their former employers in what promises to be an emotional and highly charged encounter.
Vipers coach will once again rely on the creativity and sharpness of Karim Watambala, captain Milton Karisa and forward Usama Arafat to break down an NEC defence that has looked increasingly disciplined.
The visitors have recorded four clean sheets in their last six league outings, underlining their defensive stability ahead of the trip to Kitende.
Key Stat
In the last five Uganda Premier League meetings between the two sides, Vipers have won twice, drawn twice and lost once.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Entebbe UPPC will host Mbarara City at the Fisheries Ground in Bugonga, while Police FC travel to Royal Park Butema to take on Buhimba United Saints.
Uganda Premier League – Matchday 17 Fixtures
Tuesday February 17, 2026
- Entebbe UPPC vs Mbarara City – Fisheries Ground, Bugonga (4pm)
- Buhimba United Saints vs Police – Royal Park Butema (4pm)
- Vipers SC vs NEC – St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende (8pm)
Wednesday February 18, 2026
- Calvary vs Express – Midigo P/S Ground, Yumbe (4pm)
- Lugazi vs UPDF – Najjembe (4pm)
- KCCA vs BUL – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo (8pm)
Thursday February 19, 2026
- Kitara vs URA – Royal Park, Butema (4pm)
- SC Villa vs Maroons – FUFA Stadium, Kadiba (8pm)
