The curtain has fallen on the first round of the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League, and the campaign has already delivered its fair share of surprises, controversies, and talking points.
Defending champions Vipers SC remain the benchmark as the title race heads into the decisive second round, but they are being chased by an unlikely pack that includes surprise outfit Entebbe UPPC, traditional giants KCCA FC, and the ever-present contenders SC Villa, Police FC, and Kitara FC.
While some preseason favourites have lived up to expectations, others have stumbled badly, leaving the league delicately poised at the halfway stage. Our football writer Ismael Kiyonga highlights five major narratives shaping the season so far.
1. The Unresolved Kitara–Vipers Saga Raises Integrity Concerns
One of the biggest unresolved issues of the season remains the abandoned fixture between Kitara FC and Vipers SC.
At the halfway stage, both sides have played 14 matches, with their encounter—initially scheduled for October 4, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium—still hanging in limbo. Vipers failed to honour the fixture in protest of the revised league format introduced by FUFA, a decision that was later suspended.
Although the Venoms reportedly wrote to FUFA requesting a rescheduled date, no official communication has been made public by either the FUFA Competitions Department or the UPL Secretariat.
Whispers within football circles suggest a forfeiture ruling may already have been reached, potentially costing Vipers maximum points and even attracting an additional deduction. However, the prolonged silence has only fueled speculation and concern.
With the title race so tight, continued delay risks undermining the credibility and competitive balance of the league. Stakeholders will be hoping for clarity—sooner rather than later.
2. Vipers SC Still Set the Standard
Despite the unresolved fixture, Vipers remain the team everyone else must measure themselves against.
They top the standings with 36 points, six clear of the chasing pack, and are the only side yet to taste defeat. The champions boast the league’s best attacking record with 32 goals, the meanest defence having conceded just seven, and the highest number of wins (11).
Encouragingly for their fans, the departure of midfield talisman Allan Okello has not disrupted their rhythm. If anything, the team appears more balanced and cohesive.
However, the second round presents stern examinations, with tricky away trips to KCCA, BUL, SC Villa, Maroons, and Mbarara City likely to test their title credentials to the limit.
3. Entebbe UPPC Lead the Surprise Acts
Freshly promoted Entebbe UPPC have been the revelation of the season.
Under the stewardship of Abdallah Mubiru, the Printers have defied all expectations to sit joint second at the halfway mark. Statement victories away to URA, BUL, and KCCA, coupled with a resilient draw at SC Villa, have announced them as genuine contenders.
They have conceded just nine goals—second only to Vipers—and remain unbeaten on the road, winning six of their seven away matches. Their attacking threat has been spearheaded by Ambrose Kigozi, who leads the golden boot race with eight goals.
What was expected to be a relegation survival campaign has instead turned into a fairytale run.
4. Heavyweights Struggle to Find Their Feet
While some clubs have soared, others have fallen well short of preseason ambitions.
NEC FC and BUL FC, both heavily backed in the transfer market, find themselves marooned in mid-table after suffering a combined nine defeats. URA FC and Express FC have fared even worse, hovering dangerously close to the relegation places.
For teams built to challenge at the top, the second round represents a critical period to rescue pride and purpose.
5. URA FC Sink to Alarming Lows
URA’s struggles have been particularly striking.
After a promising start under returning coach Alex Isabirye, hopes were high that the Tax Collectors could finally mount a serious title challenge. Instead, their season has unravelled dramatically.
They have managed just two wins from 15 matches and sit on 13 points—only two clear of the relegation zone. Even the appointment of Hussein Mbalangu has failed to arrest the slide, with URA now enduring a seven-match goal drought, the longest in the league this season.
