Uganda Premier League 2024/25 review: A season of records, revelations and surprises

Photo by Vipers SC Media.

The 2024/25 season of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) has been nothing short of thrilling with unforgettable performances, record-breaking feats and surprising twists.

From standout individual displays to dramatic team achievements, this campaign has left fans and analysts alike with plenty to talk about. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the season, highlighting the teams, players, and moments that defined Uganda’s top-flight football competition.

Vipers SC: Dominating the Season in Style

Vipers SC proved their dominance once again, clinching their seventh UPL title with an exceptional all-around performance. The Venoms not only collected the most points (69) in the season but also boasted the best defensive record, conceding a mere 15 goals throughout the campaign.

Their attacking midfielder, Allan Okello, was the star of the season, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 19 goals. He also made a significant contribution from the penalty spot, scoring the most penalties (8) in the competition.

One of the standout statistics for Vipers was their remarkable home and away form. They were unbeaten at home, alongside NEC FC, and they collected the most points away (32), also scoring the most goals on the road (23). Vipers’ consistency saw them register the highest number of wins (21), securing the title comfortably.

The team also set the longest winning streak of the season, with 9 consecutive victories, underscoring their dominance and consistency throughout the campaign.

NEC FC: A Historic Second-Place Finish

While Vipers took the title, NEC FC had an equally impressive campaign, finishing in second place, their best finish in club history. They collected the most points at home (41) and were one of only two teams, along with Vipers, to remain unbeaten at home.

NEC also posted the fewest number of losses (3) in the entire season, highlighting their solid defense and tactical discipline.

BUL FC: A Strong Second Half

BUL FC-Jinja was another standout team, particularly in the second half of the season. They finished with the most points in the second round (39) and remained unbeaten, winning 12 matches. Their form was a key reason for their strong finish, and they’ll be looking to build on this momentum next season.

The Struggles of Mbale Heroes FC On the flip side, Mbale Heroes FC had a season to forget. They finished with the fewest wins (2) and the most losses (24), scoring the least number of goals (13) and conceding the most (69).

Their home record was particularly dismal, scoring just five goals and collecting only eight points in front of their home crowd. The team underwent significant upheaval, sacking two coaches—Richard Malinga and Asaph Mwebaze Jr.—as they struggled to find form.

Mbale Heroes also made headlines for conceding the most goals in a single match at home (6), and they were involved in a thrilling fixture against Kitara FC, which ended with a total of 13 goals across both legs.

KCCA FC: A Scoring Machine at Home

KCCA FC, one of Uganda’s most successful clubs, demonstrated their attacking prowess, particularly at home, where they scored the highest number of goals (33).

They also managed to score four or more goals in five different matches during the season, showcasing their offensive firepower. Despite this, KCCA finished without challenging for the title, often plagued by inconsistencies.

Milestones and Firsts

This season was also marked by several historical moments. Oliver Mbekeka became the first female coach in UPL history, leading her team to a historic 1-0 victory over Express FC. Meanwhile, Nikola Kavazovic made headlines for being the first coach to be sacked after just three matches by Vipers SC.

The season saw some notable individual performances, with Saidi Mayanja scoring the first goal of the season for URA FC and Pascal Ngoobi netting the final goal.

The Relegation Battle

The relegation battle was equally intense, with Mbale Heroes FC, Solitilo Bright Stars FC, and Wakiso Giants FC relegated back to the FUFA Big League. These teams faced a challenging season, with numerous defeats and a lack of consistent form, leading to their unfortunate demotion.

Key Statistics and Records

Mbale Heroes FC conceded the most goals in a single match (7) against Kitara FC. Kitara FC proved to be a lethal offensive side, scoring six or more goals in three different matches. Police FC set the record for the most draws in the season, finishing with 12.

Mbale Heroes FC was the only team to concede five or more goals in a match on five occasions, with their defense being a major weak spot. The highest-scoring match of the season was between Mbale Heroes FC and Kitara FC, which ended with 13 goals in total across both legs.

The 2024/25 Uganda Premier League season was a rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and historical achievements. From Vipers SC’s dominance to the struggles of Mbale Heroes FC, it was a campaign that had it all.

As we look forward to the next season, teams will reflect on the highs and lows of this one, hoping to improve and push for greater success. But for now, Vipers SC can savor their seventh UPL title, having once again proven themselves as Uganda’s premier football club.

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