UPL: Vipers seek early statement as NEC hunt first win against Mbarara City

Match day five of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League concludes on Saturday with the champions Vipers SC back in action.

At Bugonga Fisheries Ground, Vipers make a short trip to face Entebbe UPPC at 4pm. The Venoms’ absence from earlier rounds, due in part to continental commitments, has left them playing catch-up domestically. A win against the league newcomers is crucial for Jacky Ivan Minnaert’s side to assert their intent and momentum this season.

Today is our first game of the 2025/26 UPL season – So, let’s have some predictions…

⚽ Who will be our top scorer?
🅰️ Who will give the most assists?
🌟 Who will be our player of the season?#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/sDd0kmgdJg

— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) November 1, 2025

Entebbe UPPC have made a promising start to the season, registering two wins, one loss, and two draws, placing them fifth on the 16-team log with seven points.

Former Vipers stars such as Issa Bugembe, Isa Mubiru, and Fazil Tumwine will now line up against their old club, alongside coaches Abdallah Mubiru and Livingstone Mbabazi, both of whom have Kitende experience.

NEC will host Mbarara at Rwamwanje Stadium

Vipers will lean on their seasoned core led by captain Milton Karisa, alongside Yunus Sentamu and Allan Okello, all expected to deliver top performances.

In Kamwenge, NEC host Mbarara City at Rwamwanje Stadium, also at 4pm, in a battle to claim their first win of the season.

The Ankole Lions have drawn two and lost two of their opening four matches, while NEC have drawn twice and lost once, leaving both sides on two points near the bottom of the table. This will be James Odoch’s second match in charge after Hussein Mbalangu’s suspension.

Saturday promises competitive fixtures as struggling sides look to turn their fortunes around while the champions aim to stamp authority early in the season.