STANBIC UGANDA CUP | FINAL

MATCH DETAILS

Venue: FUFA Stadium, Kadiba – Kampala

Date: Saturday, May 31

Kick-Off: 6PM (EAT)

Stage: Grand Final

Broadcast: Sanyuka Prime TV / FUFA TV

Ugandan football reaches its dramatic crescendo this Saturday, May 31 under the floodlights of the FUFA stadium, Kadiba as two of the nation’s most decorated clubs – Vipers SC and KCCA FC – clash in the 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup final.

With both sides boasting rich legacies, passionate fanbases, and a fierce rivalry stretching across generations, this is more than a match — it’s a battle for bragging rights, silverware, and continental football.

Vipers come into the final fresh off sealing the 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) title. Now, the Venoms are eyeing a prestigious domestic double to underline their dominance.

But standing in their way is a resurgent KCCA FC side, led by interim tactician Jackson Magera, desperate to avoid a trophy-less season and clinch a record-extending 11th Uganda Cup crown.

History & Fire Reignite

These two sides last met in a Uganda Cup final in 2018, where KCCA edged it 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Julius Poloto — now club captain and once again set to play a central role.

“We’ve prepared well for this final,” said both Poloto and his high school friend Allan Okello have told the local media weeklong. “We know what it means, and everyone is focused. We’re looking forward to facing off again, this time on opposite sides — it’s something special.”

While KCCA’s form has spiked in recent weeks, Vipers enter the fray with a mix of caution and confidence.

The Kadiba surface is unfamiliar territory, and the absence of defensive lynchpin Hillary Mukundane due to yellow cards accumulated is a blow. Yet, coach Fred Muhumuza believes his side is mentally primed.

“It’s not going to be an easy championship and we have prepared well,” Muhumuza stated. “We are managing fatigue, but the boys are responding. It’s the last game and we don’t take it lightly. We want to lift this trophy.”

A Final to Die For

Vipers skipper Milton Karisa echoed the sentiment:

“We are prepared. We know this is different from the league. We play to honour the badge and all the people who sacrifice their time and resources to support us.”

With both clubs boasting match-winners across the pitch — from Yunus Sentamu and Abdul Karim Watambala for Vipers, to the attacking flair of Joao Gabriel and leadership of Poloto for KCCA — expect fireworks, crunch tackles, and moments of magic.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

Victory for Vipers would see them secure a fourth Uganda Cup title (after triumphs in 2016, 2021, and 2023) and complete only their second-ever league and cup double.

For KCCA, this is their shot at salvaging pride and a direct path into the CAF Confederation Cup. Lose, and that golden ticket might fall to their bitter Lugogo tenants NEC FC, who finished second in the league.

In a clash loaded with subplots and fueled by legacy, expect tension, drama, and perhaps, penalties. All roads lead to Kadiba – and only one team will leave with glory.

STATISTICS CORNER

Vipers’ Road to the Finals

Round of 64: 2-1 vs Tepa FC (Mulondo x2)

Round of 32: 2-0 vs Mbarara City (Sentamu, Okello)

Round of 16: 3-0 vs Blacks Power (Honjo, Sentamu, Mulondo)

Quarterfinal: 1-0 vs SC Villa (Karisa)

Semifinal 1st Leg: 1-0 vs Kitara (Sentamu)

Semifinal 2nd Leg: 0-1 vs Kitara (Watambala)

KCCA’s Road to the Finals

Round of 64: 2-0 vs 403 Brigade FC

Round of 32: 2-1 vs Kuluva Rainbow FC

Round of 16: 4-0 vs Rwenzori Lions FC

Quarterfinal: 2-1 vs Kaaro Karungi FC

Semifinal 1st Leg: 3-0 vs Kataka FC

Semifinal 2nd Leg: 1-1 vs Kataka FC

Previous Uganda Cup Titles

Vipers SC: 2016, 2021, 2023

KCCA FC: 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1993, 2004, 2017, 2018

Key Players To Watch

Vipers SC: Yunus Sentamu | Milton Karisa | Gusto Mulongo | Allan Okello | Abdul Karim Watambala

KCCA FC: Julius Poloto | Joao Gabriel | Emmanuel Anyama | Shafiq Kwikiriza | Usama Arafat