Uganda Premier League leaders Vipers SC travel to SC Villa in a high-stakes encounter at FUFA Technical Centre Kadiba, with the title race delicately poised heading into matchday 23.
Vipers arrive at the summit with 51 points from 22 matches, while Villa sit fourth on 44 points, seven adrift.
For the record champions, the equation is straightforward—a must-win fixture to keep their championship ambitions alive.
Both sides come into the contest on the back of contrasting yet significant results. Villa edged arch-rivals KCCA FC 1-0 in their previous outing, with Hassan Mubiru delivering the decisive goal.
Vipers, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by second-placed Kitara FC at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende.
Team News
Villa are likely to be without defender Raymond Barasa Mangoli, who was forced off during their victory over KCCA.
Vipers could once again miss experienced goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza, still sidelined after sustaining an injury in their Stanbic Uganda Cup quarterfinal clash against NEC FC.
Key Players
Villa will look to Patrick Jonah Kakande, Hassan Mubiru, and leading scorer Frank Ssebuufu to provide the attacking spark.
Vipers’ charge will be spearheaded by Abdul Karim Watambala, Usama Arafat, and captain Milton Karisa.
Previous Meeting
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Kitende, with Ssebuufu on target for Villa and Usama scoring for Vipers.
Key Facts
This will be the 28th meeting between Villa and Vipers. The Venoms have 11 wins, Villa have 6, while 10 matches have ended in draws.
Vipers last secured an away victory over Villa in 2021, winning 3-1 at Bombo Military Grounds.
Villa are unbeaten at home since a 1-0 loss to NEC on May 15, 2025, recording nine wins and three draws in that run.
Vipers are unbeaten on the pitch since their 1-0 win over BUL FC in May last year, with their only setback coming via a boardroom decision that awarded Kitara points following a no-show protest earlier this year.
Other Matchday 23 Fixtures
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Calvary vs Lugazi – Midigo P/S, Yumbe (4pm)
UPDF vs Express – Military Barracks Ground, Bombo (4pm)
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Buhimba vs Entebbe UPPC – Royal Park, Butema (4pm)
Mbarara City vs Police – Rwamwanja Stadium, Kamwenge (4pm)
URA vs BUL – Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo (8pm)
Friday, April 17, 2026
KCCA vs Kitara – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo (8pm)
Saturday, April 18, 2026
NEC vs Maroons – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo (8pm)
