Vipers SC return to St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, under pressure to remind everyone of their title credentials when they welcome a wounded BUL side on Saturday. After dropping points in a frustrating stalemate away to Calvary, the spotlight is firmly on the Venoms’ ability to cope without several key figures.
With Allan Okello, Hilary Mukundane and Rogers Torach away on national duty in Morocco ahead of AFCON 2025 preparations, the champions must prove that their ambitions do not hinge on a few individuals. The draw in Midigo exposed a blunt edge in attack, and Saturday’s contest offers a chance for redemption in front of their home supporters.
History, however, offers BUL some encouragement. The Jinja-based outfit are unbeaten in their last five league meetings with Vipers and will travel to Kitende hoping to extend that run despite their current struggles. Vipers’ defensive trio of Bady Dasylva, Livingstone Mulondo and Ashraf Mandela will be tasked with shutting the door, while the attacking burden shifts to Usama Arafat, Yunus Sentamu, Gusto Mulongo and Odili Chukwuma to provide the spark normally supplied by Okello.
BUL arrive low on confidence after a poor run that includes three straight defeats, the latest coming against KCCA at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. Former Vipers striker Karim Ndugwa adds an intriguing subplot, with the forward keen to haunt his old club.
The stakes are high for both sides. Vipers sit fourth on 18 points and cannot afford further slips in a tight title race, while BUL, 12th with just 10 points, are fighting to steady the ship. Another loss could pile pressure on head coach Abbey Kikomeko, with talk already swirling about a possible return for Alex Isabirye.
Matchday ten action will also see Calvary face Mbarara City in a crucial bottom-of-the-table encounter at Midigo, where pride and survival points are on the line.
