UPL: Sentamu strikes late as Vipers move four clear; Kampala derby produces no winner

A late winner from Yunus Sentamu propelled Vipers SC to a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Mbarara City on Saturday, a result that strengthened their grip on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League summit.

 

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The Venoms capitalized on their title rivals’ slip the previous day to open a four-point cushion at the top, moving to 44 points after a determined display away in Kamwenge.

Vipers started the contest with purpose and were rewarded midway through the opening half. A slick attacking move orchestrated by Milton Karisa ended with Usama Arafat applying the finishing touch from close range to hand the visitors the lead in the 20th minute.

The champions continued to dictate proceedings and threatened to extend their advantage, but Karisa missed a promising opportunity as Mbarara City struggled to match Vipers’ attacking intensity.

After the break, the hosts regrouped and gradually found their rhythm.

Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when substitute Thomas Kakaire restored parity, sending the home fans into celebration and setting up a tense final stretch.

Thomas Kakaire equalises with a stunner!#StarTimesUPL | #MBRVIP pic.twitter.com/x5l2D96SBy

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) March 7, 2026

Just as the match seemed headed for a stalemate, Sentamu produced the decisive moment. With six minutes remaining, the experienced forward found space to fire home the winner and seal all three points for the league leaders.

Karisa’s energetic performance throughout the encounter earned him the man-of-the-match accolade.

Meanwhile, the Kampala derby between SC Villa and Express ended without goals at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba. Villa controlled large spells and carved out the better chances, with Hassan Mubiru coming closest and even seeing one effort ruled out for offside before the interval.

Hassan Mubiru was ruled offside for this one! So close😬#StarTimesUPL | #SCVEXP pic.twitter.com/hBHOo0DIR1

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) March 7, 2026

The draw leaves Villa third on 38 points, while Express remain 10th with 20 points.

In other fixtures, Maroons secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Buhimba United Saints thanks to an early strike from Ivan Asaba.

At Bugonga, Entebbe UPPC and URA FC could not be separated as their contest ended goalless.