Hoima, October 8, 2026 — Blacks Power return to Uganda Premier League action on Thursday with renewed confidence as they welcome defending champions Vipers SC to Hoima City Stadium, determined to prove that their impressive start was no fluke.
The newly promoted side had collected nine points from their opening four matches before suffering their first defeat of the campaign, a 2-1 loss to BUL in Njeru.
The setback, however, has done little to diminish the belief in Simon Peter Mugerwa’s squad.
Mugerwa, who has already masterminded notable victories over Police and Maroons, sees the visit of Vipers as an opportunity rather than a threat.
“We have used the international break well to prepare for this game,” Mugerwa told reporters.
“They are champions but we are champions of the Big League as well.”
The Blacks Power coach also believes facing the reigning champions provides his players with the perfect stage to test themselves against the league’s benchmark side.
“It is a good opportunity to play against the strongest team in the country and we want to win and make our fans happy.”
Ivan Okello is available again after missing the trip to Njeru, while there are no reported injury concerns in the hosts’ camp.
Vipers, meanwhile, arrive in Hoima with their title defence gathering momentum following a 3-0 victory over fellow newcomers Ntugasaze.
Ceaser Manzoki will lead the attacking threat after opening his Vipers account in that victory, with Nigerian forward Chukwuma Odili also expected to feature prominently.
Uganda international Hilary Mukundane is set to anchor the defence.
Farouk Miya could also earn a starting berth after making a decisive impact from the bench against Ntugasaze, where his man-of-the-match display strengthened the case for a place in Denis Lavagne’s starting XI.
Vipers hold the psychological advantage in the fixture, having won each of the previous three meetings across all competitions, including a 3-0 Stanbic Uganda Cup victory at Kitende last year.
Elsewhere on Thursday, NEC host Express at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo in a 7pm kick-off as night football returns to the venue.
Matchday Five Fixtures
Wednesday, October 7
Kataka 1-1 SC Villa — BCS Complex, Bukedea
Kitara 1-0 Kigezi Home Boyz — Hoima City Stadium
Maroons 3-0 Lugazi — Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Ntugasaze 1-0 Mbarara City — Police Arena, Kira Road
Thursday, October 8
Blacks Power vs Vipers SC — Hoima City Stadium, 4pm
NEC vs Express — MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, 7pm
Friday, October 9
Entebbe UPPC vs Police — Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, 5pm
URA vs KCCA — Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, 8pm
Sunday, October 11
UPDF vs BUL — Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, 4pm
