Vipers held, Express strike late as UPL Matchday 23 delivers drama

Matchday 23 of the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League delivered a mix of late drama, tight contests, and crucial points across different ends of the table on Wednesday evening.

At FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, SC Villa and Vipers SC settled for a 1-1 draw in a balanced encounter that lived up to its billing.

Frank Ssebufu restores parity.#StarTimesUPL | #SCVVIP pic.twitter.com/7jb3dbZMo1

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) April 15, 2026

Both sides showed discipline early on, with clear chances hard to come by. Milton Karisa came closest in the first half, but his effort was well handled by David Lukwago.

The game sparked into life midway through the second half when Hillary Mukundane powered in a header from Odili Chukwuma’s corner to hand Vipers the lead.

Hillary Mukundane scores for Vipers.#StarTimesUPL | #SCVVIP pic.twitter.com/QyNxDFDVZC

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) April 15, 2026

However, Villa responded almost instantly, with Frank Ssebuufu heading home just four minutes later after a clever attacking move involving Hassan Mubiru and Najib Yiga.

Villa pushed for a winner late on, but Lukwago’s brilliance denied the Venoms a second, ensuring the points were shared. The result keeps the reigning champions top on 52 points, while Villa remain fourth with 45.

In Bombo, Express FC left it late to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UPDF FC. In a game short on clear-cut chances, the Red Eagles showed resilience despite off-field challenges.

Elvis Ssekajugo emerged the hero, coming off the bench to score in the dying moments after reacting quickest to a defensive lapse.

The win completes a season double for Express and lifts them to 10th on 29 points, while UPDF stay 13th with 17, still under pressure near the relegation zone.

Meanwhile in Yumbe, Calvary FC and Lugazi FC played out a goalless draw in a match defined by missed opportunities.

Lugazi started the stronger side, forcing an early save and later hitting the crossbar, but couldn’t capitalize.

Calvary improved after the break, with Lawrence Olaboro striking the post in their best moment. Despite showing signs of progress, Calvary remain bottom with nine points, while Lugazi sit 12th on 20.

Looking ahead, Vipers will face Buhimba United Saints, Villa travel to Lugazi, Express host NEC, and UPDF visit BUL FC, while Calvary continue their survival push away at Kitara FC.