UPL: Vipers SC return to the summit as NEC FC grind out vital home victory

Floodlight action on Tuesday evening in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League delivered brilliant goals, drama and significant movement at the top of the table as Vipers SC powered back to the summit with a commanding 3-0 win over Lugazi FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Cashing in three vital points 🏦#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/a5petobBqr

— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) March 3, 2026

Earlier in the day, Kitara FC had temporarily climbed to the top after a 2-0 victory over Entebbe UPPC in Hoima, moving to 39 points. But the Venoms’ emphatic response under the lights ensured they reclaimed pole position on 42 points, while Lugazi remained 10th on 18 points.

Vipers SC 3-0 Lugazi FC – Venoms ruthless in Kitende

Backed by a vibrant home crowd in Kitende, Vipers started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock inside five minutes. Milton Karisa went close after Lugazi goalkeeper Muhammad Kakooza punched the ball into his path, but the skipper failed to convert the half-volley.

The hosts suffered an early setback when Taddeo Lwanga was forced off with a head injury and replaced by Patrick Mbowa, but the disruption did little to slow their momentum.

The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute in spectacular fashion. Rogers Torach unleashed a thunderous strike from range that left the goalkeeper with no chance, igniting the stadium.

Vipers doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark through Usama Arafat Kiza, who drove at the defence before rifling a stunning effort into the top corner from outside the box.

On the stroke of halftime, Odili Chukwuma added the third. Showing slick footwork inside the area, he created space with a sharp turn and calmly finished to hand the Venoms a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, the hosts managed the game professionally. Double substitutions in the 72nd and 83rd minutes injected fresh legs, with Annest Ankunda, Marvin Youngman, Gusto Mulongo and Yunus Sentamu all introduced as Vipers comfortably saw out the contest to seal three vital points and return to the top of the standings.

NEC FC 1-0 UPDF FC – Media’s moment lifts Diehards

At the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, NEC FC edged UPDF FC 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter.

Hard fought, Fully earned💪🏽 3️⃣ points stay home#NECUPDF || #StarTimesUPL || #Diehards pic.twitter.com/ODV0HBWGG9

— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) March 3, 2026

The first half offered limited clear-cut chances, with Ibrahim Musa coming closest for NEC in the 12th minute, his curling effort sailing inches over the bar. Both sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

NEC intensified their push after halftime, making key changes that shifted momentum.

Goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo produced a crucial save in the 73rd minute to deny UPDF from a dangerous free kick, preserving parity.

Moments later, Rashid Kawawa nearly broke the deadlock with a well-struck set piece, but the visitors’ goalkeeper Kamya Shamran tipped it away.

The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when substitute Innocent Media produced a delightful chipped finish into the right corner, sparking celebrations among the home faithful.

NEC held firm through four minutes of added time to secure a hard-fought victory that lifted them to 27 points in 7th place. UPDF, meanwhile, remained in the relegation zone on 12 points in 15th.

Table Implications

While Kitara’s earlier win had briefly sent them top, Vipers’ dominant performance ensured they ended Match Day 18 as league leaders on 42 points. The title race continues to tighten as the season heads into a decisive stretch.

Match day 18 action continues on Wednesday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo with a double header where URA FC host Mbarara City before Express FC face Maroons under floodlights.