Vipers SC Crowned Champions of UPL 2024/25 Season

• Vipers SC 1-1 Soltilo Bright Stars

The 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season has come to a close, with Vipers Sports Club—sponsored by Hima Cement—crowned champions.

Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by already-relegated Soltilo Bright Stars on the final day at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, Vipers had already sealed the title following their crucial victory in the penultimate round.

John Kokas Alou gave Bright Stars a surprise lead in the 62nd minute, calmly lifting the ball over young goalkeeper Jack Komakech after a well-weighted through ball from Nelson Senkatuka, silencing the home crowd.

However, the hosts responded just six minutes later. Allan Okello converted a penalty after Andrew Kyambadde was controversially judged to have handled the ball in the box—although TV replays suggested it struck his face.

The equalizer was Okello’s 19th goal of the season, which secured him the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer, with eight of those goals coming from the penalty spot.

Vipers’ success this season has been powered by multiple factors, notably their strong sponsorship base led by Hima Cement.

Joan Kitawona, Hima Cement’s Brand Manager, expressed her delight with the club’s triumph: “We are thrilled by Vipers’ victory. It has been a journey from the start, and as Hima Cement, we are proud to be part of the 2024/25 champions.”

She further explained Hima’s preference for Vipers over other league clubs, citing shared values:

“We chose to sponsor Vipers because we share a dream—’One Team, One Dream.’ Like us, they always aim for the top. Their ambition aligns perfectly with our brand values. They’ve given us great visibility in the football and sports space, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”

With no further goals, the match ended in a stalemate. For Bright Stars (20 points), the result confirmed their relegation after 12 years in the top flight—they’ll play in the FUFA Big League next season.

Vipers now shift focus to the Uganda Cup final against KCCA FC next Saturday, where they’ll look to complete a domestic double.

Starting Lineups

Vipers SC

Jack Komakech (GK), Allan Okello ©, Grant Matsiko, Derrick Ndahiro, Livingstone Mulondo, Rogers Torach, Siraje Sentamu, Yunus Sentamu, Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Isaac Ogwang

Bright Stars

Sanon Mulabi (GK), Andrew Kyambadde, Kato Nemeyimana, Innocent Kitimbo, John Kokas Alou, Nelson Senkatuka, Sharif Nsereko, Cleophus Fiat, Paskali Oketcho, Khasim Mustapha

Other results | Matchday 30

• NEC FC 1–0 URA FC
• Maroons 2–0 Mbarara City
• Mbale Heroes 1–6 Kitara
• Express 0–3 KCCA
• Wakiso Giants 0–2 Police
• UPDF FC 2–3 BUL FC
• Lugazi 0–1 SC Villa