Uganda Premier League: Vipers frustrated by URA, Express complete double over Buhimba

Vipers SC were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against URA FC under the floodlights at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, as the Tax Collectors produced a disciplined display to earn a valuable away point in Friday’s Uganda Premier League action.

URA hold Uganda Premier League leaders

URA FC stunned the league leaders in the 35th minute when defender Ronald Otti powered home a header from Isma Mugulusi’s well-delivered free kick to silence the home crowd.

URA lead in Kitende. Ronald Otti.#StarTimesUPL | #VIPURA pic.twitter.com/gOEjbVxzmV

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 8, 2026

The visitors carried their advantage into halftime after successfully keeping the Venoms at bay throughout the opening period.

However, Vipers responded immediately after the restart and restored parity just four minutes into the second half. Ashraf Mandela’s long throw caused problems inside the box before Hillary Mukundane’s header bounced off the crossbar, allowing Usama Arafat to nod in the rebound from close range.

Vipers drew level. Usama Arafat.#StarTimesUPL | #VIPURA pic.twitter.com/Hd5Tdgg1BI

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 8, 2026

Despite late pressure from the hosts, URA FC remained compact and held on for a point that mathematically guarantees their topflight survival with three matches left to play.

Vipers remain top of the table on 60 points, while URA FC move to 26 points, ten clear of the relegation zone.

Elsewhere in Hoima, Express FC returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Buhimba United Saints to end a four-match winless run.

The Red Eagles had a first-half goal from Kenneth Kimera ruled out for offside, but they eventually broke the deadlock in the second half through Marvin Wambuga, who finished off Douglas Rwotngeyo’s inviting delivery after the hour mark.

Express doubled their advantage 13 minutes later when Kimera turned provider, setting up Marvin Nyanzi for a composed finish as the visitors cruised to all three points.

The victory completed a league double for Express FC over Buhimba United Saints following their 3-1 triumph in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Express climb to 10th place with 33 points, while Buhimba remain bottom on 15 points and six points away from safety with only three games remaining.

At Wankulukuku, SC Villa’s title hopes suffered another blow after they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by BUL FC.

Simon Achidi fails to beat David Lukwago.#StarTimesUPL | #SCVBUL pic.twitter.com/droQYmgwNu

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 8, 2026

The Jogoos dominated possession for large spells and pushed forward with attacking intent through Patrick Kakande, Frank Ssebuufu, and Hassan Mubiru, but BUL FC remained disciplined defensively throughout the contest.

Villa’s best opportunity came when Ssebuufu forced a sharp save from the BUL goalkeeper in the first half, while several late crosses and set pieces failed to produce a breakthrough for the home side.

The result leaves SC Villa on 52 points in fourth position, further denting their title ambitions heading into the final stretch of the season.

BUL FC, meanwhile, move to 35 points as they continue their steady mid-table campaign.