UPL Matchday 5 Recap: URA, NEC finally win as Vipers begin title defence in style

Matchday Five of the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) wrapped up in thrilling fashion over the weekend, with defending champions Vipers SC, URA FC, NEC, and all securing their first victories of the campaign.

📷 | #URAUPDF pic.twitter.com/0GLnSfTH3F

— URA Football Club (@URAFC_Official) October 30, 2025

At Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, URA finally ended their four-match winless streak with a hard-fought 3–2 win over UPDF FC. The Tax Collectors displayed renewed attacking intent as Moses Aliro opened the scoring before Andrew Kigozi equalised for the visitors. George Masembe restored URA’s lead before halftime, but Samuel Ssekamate’s penalty drew UPDF level again after the break.

Aliro, however, had the final say calmly converting a spot-kick 13 minutes from time to complete his brace and hand URA a long-awaited first win of the season. The victory lifted the four-time champions to sixth place on seven points from five matches.

Elsewhere, NEC also broke their winless run with a 1–0 victory away to Mbarara City at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge. Allan Mugalu netted the decisive goal in the 54th minute, with Hudson Mbalire putting in a Man of the Match display as the visitors moved out of the relegation zone.

Defending champions Vipers SC also began their title defence with a slim 1–0 win over Entebbe UPPC at Bugonga Fisheries Ground. Abdulkarim Watambala struck the match-winner in the 62nd minute, slotting home from Yunus Sentamu’s assist.

Goalkeeper Alfred Macumu Mudekereza produced a string of fine saves to preserve the clean sheet and earn the Man of the Match award.

Elsewhere, Kitara continued their fine form with a dominant 4–0 win over Lugazi, SC Villa stunned Buhimba United Saints 3–0 away, and KCCA FC stormed to the top of the table with a 4–2 triumph over Calvary.

Matchday Six returns on Wednesday, November 5, with more fixtures lined up as teams jostle for early-season momentum in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.