Uganda Premier League: Vipers crush Mbale Heroes to inch closer to title

Photo by Vipers SC Media.

Matchday 27 Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Results;

SC Villa 2-2 KCCA

Vipers SC 6-0 Mbale Heroes

NEC FC 1-1 BUL FC

Vipers SC moved to within touching distance of their seventh StarTimes Uganda Premier League title with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of already-relegated Mbale Heroes at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Tuesday.

The Venoms were in an unforgiving mood, with Milton Karisa netting twice and Yunus Ssentamu, Allan Okello, Mohammed Salem, and Kenneth Kimera each adding to the tally. The victory propelled them to 65 points, seven clear of second-placed NEC FC, with three games left.

Vipers can officially clinch the 2024/25 title on Saturday with victory over BUL FC, regardless of NEC’s result against Soltilo Bright Stars, who have already been relegated. Even a win for NEC would leave them unable to bridge the gap with just two matches remaining.

The damage against Mbale Heroes began in the 22nd minute when Karisa capitalized on a defensive error to slot in the opener. Ssentamu made it 2-0 ten minutes later, finishing after some slick play by Okello.

Just before half-time, it was Okello's turn to get on the scoresheet. This time with Karisa turning provider, making it 3-0 before the break. The visitors showed a bit more resistance in the second half, but were undone once more in the 71st minute, Karisa coolly finishing from Abubakar Walusimbi’s assist to complete his brace.

A minute later, Walusimbi teed up Salem for their fifth, and Kimera wrapped up the scoring spree for a commanding 6-0 victory. Meanwhile, NEC’s slim title hopes took a further hit after they were held to a 1-1 draw by BUL FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

Karim Ndugwa gave BUL the lead in the 22nd minute, but Cromwell Rwothomio salvaged a point with an 86th-minute equalizer for the home side.

KCCA, SC Villa Settle for Entertaining Draw

Elsewhere, at Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, SC Villa and KCCA FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Kampala derby. KCCA struck first through Emmanuel Anyama after 22 minutes, the forward pouncing on a pass from Ashraf Mugume to fire past Braddy Wokorach.

Villa responded in the 37th minute through Charles Lwanga, who tucked away from a Reagan Mpande cross. Moments later, Villa were awarded a penalty for handball, and Mpande stepped up to convert for a 2-1 lead. But KCCA were not done.

Anyama returned to complete his brace with a powerful header in the 53rd minute from a Joao Gabriel delivery to level the tie and ensure the sides shared spoils in their home and away meetings this season. Matchday 28 kicks off this Saturday with Vipers having the first real shot at sealing the championship.