UPL: Vipers cruise past Police as Lugazi stun BUL

Vipers SC underlined their title credentials with a ruthless 4-1 dismantling of Police FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, tightening their grip on top spot in the Uganda Premier League.

The Venoms moved to 33 points and opened further daylight at the summit, while Police slipped to third on 27.

After a cautious opening, Vipers found their rhythm in the final third. Milton Karisa broke the deadlock on 32 minutes, finishing off a well-weighted Karim Watambala pass, and the same Watambala made it two just five minutes later, his effort bouncing in off the bar.

The hosts were in full control by the break when Chukwuma Odili powered in a header from Usama Arafat’s cross to make it 3-0.

Police showed brief fight early in the second half through Said Kyeyune, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished. Substitute Yunus Sentamu injected pace, and his delivery allowed Arafat to cap a fine individual display with the fourth in the 73rd minute.

NEC edged Buhimba United 1-0 on the road

Arafat was later named Man of the Match as Vipers comfortably saw out another statement win. They next host Buhimba United Saints on January 30, while Police turn their attention to a tricky visit to URA at Hamz Stadium on January 31.

Away from Kitende, Lugazi celebrated a historic 2-1 comeback victory over BUL at Najjembe. BUL had gone ahead before the break through Freedom Mungudit, but Abdul Karim Ndugwa restored parity after the interval before Paul Busolo struck late to hand Lugazi their first-ever league win over BUL. The result lifts Lugazi to 11th on 14 points, with BUL ninth on 16.

Elsewhere, NEC edged Buhimba United 1-0 on the road thanks to an early Innocent Media strike, while goals proved elusive in Entebbe and Midigo as Entebbe UPPC drew 0-0 with Maroons and Calvary were held to a goalless stalemate by URA.

It was a matchday of fine margins, big statements at the top, and shifting battles across the table.