Vipers SC brushed aside weeks of pressure and doubt after producing a commanding performance to secure the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League crown with a convincing victory over Maroons FC at Wankulukuku.
Heading into the match under growing scrutiny following a shaky run of form and a painful Uganda Cup exit, the Venoms responded like champions, overpowering Maroons 3-0 to officially seal the title before the final day of the season.
The result confirmed Vipers as league champions for the eighth time and further strengthened their reputation as the dominant force in Ugandan football over recent years.
The Kitende-based side wasted no time stamping authority on the contest, with experienced striker Yunus Sentamu finding the back of the net within the opening minute to immediately put Maroons under pressure.
That early breakthrough settled Vipers, who controlled possession and dictated the pace throughout much of the first half while the hosts struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities.
Maroons believed they had found a route back into the game late in the opening period when Marvin Oshaba’s effort struck the crossbar and appeared to bounce over the line after a touch from goalkeeper Dennis Kiggundu.
But the match officials waved play on, insisting the ball had not fully crossed the line before defender Kevin Dyslyva cleared the danger, a decision that sparked furious protests from the Maroons bench.
The controversial moment proved costly for the Luzira side.
Moments later, Vipers launched a quick attacking move that ended with Arafat Usama calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to double the advantage and effectively kill Maroons’ momentum before halftime.
Any hopes of a comeback disappeared midway through the second half when AbdulKarim Watambala punished poor defending to add a third goal and put the result beyond doubt.
The victory took Vipers to 64 points, enough to mathematically eliminate second-placed KCCA FC from the title race after the Kasasiro Boys were held to a goalless draw by URA at Nakivubo.
For KCCA, the outcome extended their long wait for silverware, marking a seventh consecutive season without a major trophy.
For Vipers coach Ivan Minnaert, however, the triumph offered redemption after facing criticism during the closing weeks of the campaign when the team’s performances dipped significantly.
Despite missing out on the domestic double following elimination from the Stanbic Uganda Cup by Kitara FC, Vipers recovered in time to retain the league title and continue their impressive dominance under club president Lawrence Mulindwa.
The title also means Vipers have now won four league championships in the last six seasons, underlining their continued control of Ugandan football.
