UPL: Buhimba rally, Vipers’ title charge hits another snag

The StarTimes Uganda Premier League served up a compelling midweek story on Wednesday, with Buhimba United Saints finally stopping their alarming slump, Police missing a chance to climb further up the table, and champions Vipers SC failing to capitalise on a golden opportunity to go top.

Buhimba United Saints 2–2 UPDF — Saints Finally Stop the Bleeding

After six consecutive defeats, Buhimba United Saints clawed their way back to life, twice rallying from behind to secure a morale-boosting 2–2 draw against UPDF at Royal Park Butema.

Samuel Ssekamatte ignited proceedings for UPDF with a well-struck free-kick on 20 minutes, but Edson Agondeze cancelled it out just before halftime with a composed finish in the 39th minute.

UPDF regained control when Daniel Kitara struck on the 60-minute mark, only for Agondeze determined to lift his side to complete his brace eight minutes later, sealing Buhimba’s first point since October.

Though still marooned near the foot of the table with 10 points, the Saints will take heart from halting a brutal run in which they had leaked 24 goals in just six games.

UPDF remain level on points with Buhimba but sit two places above them courtesy of a better goal difference.

Lugazi 1–1 Police – Chances Missed, Momentum Gained

At Najjembe, Police FC squandered an opportunity to leapfrog KCCA as they were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against a spirited Lugazi side.

Lugazi drew first blood in the 34th minute when Abdul Kalanzi turned in Freedom Mungudit’s delivery, but Emmanuel Mugume restored parity for the Cops in the 70th minute after meeting a clever Saidi Kyeyune assist.

Steven Bogere’s men, who had managed just one win in their previous five matches, showed grit to stretch their unbeaten run against Police to five encounters.

Police climb to 18 points in third place, while Lugazi’s tally of 10 points keeps them hovering dangerously close to the relegation pack—but with renewed belief earned from a dogged display.

Calvary 0–0 Vipers SC — Venoms Falter in Yumbe

Defending champions Vipers SC were left frustrated after a goalless stalemate with bottom-placed Calvary at Midigo Primary School Playground in Yumbe on Tuesday.

The result denies the Venoms a chance to move top of the log, leaving them on 18 points from eight matches two adrift of leaders KCCA, who have played a game more.

Despite missing key men Allan Okello, Hillary Mukundane, and Rogers Toorach due to national team commitments, Vipers were still heavy favourites against a Calvary side that had collected just one point all season.

Milton Karisa should have buried the best chance of the first half after being teed up by Isaac Ogwang, while substitute Yunus Sentamu rattled the crossbar with a thunderous free-kick after the interval.

Following last Friday’s 1–1 draw with NEC, Vipers have now dropped points in consecutive league outings leaving plenty to ponder in their title defence.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.