UPL: Kitara title hopes end; leaders Vipers drop points again

The 2025/26 Uganda Premier League (UPL) title race took another dramatic twist on Tuesday evening as Kitara FC’s championship hopes officially came to an end, Calvary FC strengthened their survival chances and leaders Vipers SC dropped more valuable points.

𝗜𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 in Kamwokya [#POLVIP], Wankulukuku [#MAREBB], & Njeru [#BULLUG].#FUFATvUpdates | #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/Ea0q5q6bb4

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 12, 2026

At Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, Kitara FC suffered a damaging 3-2 defeat to Express FC, a result that left the Royals seven points behind table leaders Vipers with only two matches remaining.

Knowing Vipers had earlier been held to a goalless draw by Police FC at Kira Road Playground, Kitara entered the match with a golden opportunity to reduce the gap in the title race. However, a disastrous first half left them chasing the game.

Express made a bright start and went ahead in the 14th minute when Mikidad Ssenyonga calmly finished off Vincent Adriko’s delivery into the far corner.

The Red Eagles doubled their advantage in the 27th minute through Kenneth Kimera’s powerful long-range strike before Henry Wamala added a third just three minutes later with a composed finish after another defensive lapse from Kitara.

Kitara managed to pull one back before halftime and dominated much of the second period in search of a comeback.

Kabon Living and Doka threatened repeatedly while Jimmy Kalema eventually headed home in the 84th minute to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finale.

Full-Time! Express FC 3-2 Kitara FC
📊 https://t.co/jTg529tRcX#EXPKIT | #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/fEQZqRrbIV

— StarTimes Uganda Premier League (@UPL) May 12, 2026

Despite late pressure, Express held firm to secure a crucial victory that lifted them to ninth place on 36 points. The defeat leaves Kitara third on 54 points and officially out of the title race, with their focus now shifting to securing second place in the closing rounds of the campaign.

Vipers leave hope for UPL title rivals KCCA

Earlier in the day, Vipers SC were left frustrated after a controversial 0-0 draw away to Police FC. The Venoms felt aggrieved by two major second-half officiating decisions from referee John Baptiste Tumuhaise and his assistants.

First, Vipers were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty after Deus Bukenya handled Arafat Usama’s effort inside the box, only for the referee to award a freekick outside the area.

Moments later, Enock Ssebagala thought he had given Vipers the lead after heading home from a rebound following Usama’s freekick, but the goal was ruled out for offside in another contentious call.

Despite dominating large portions of the contest and creating several opportunities through Glodi Beyuku Monsi, Karim Watambala and Hillary Mukundane, the visitors could not find a breakthrough.

The draw moved Vipers to 61 points with two matches left against Maroons and Express, keeping them in control of the title race despite consecutive dropped points.

Meanwhile, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, Calvary FC earned a valuable 1-1 draw against URA FC to boost their hopes of surviving relegation.

Calvary knew the importance of avoiding defeat and produced a determined performance away from home to remain within touching distance of safety.

URA took the lead in the 27th minute when Ronald Otti headed in Disan Galiwango’s corner to score in his second straight match.

However, Calvary responded strongly before halftime through in-form forward Lawrence Olaboro, who finished off Junior Emmanuel Ojok’s assist in the 40th minute.

Both sides created opportunities after the break, with Daniel Opio missing a good chance for Calvary while URA substitute Godfrey Ssekibengo forced a close-range save late on.

Norman Namanya also squandered URA’s best late opportunity as tensions rose on the touchline, where URA official Godfrey Ndugga was sent away from the technical area after repeatedly confronting match officials.

The point leaves Calvary four points behind 14th-placed UPDF FC, although they still possess a game in hand against KCCA FC and now head into a crucial clash against UPDF with renewed belief.

Elsewhere, BUL FC and Lugazi FC played out a goalless draw, while Maroons FC also shared a 0-0 stalemate with Entebbe UPPC.