MATCH DETAILS

Fixture: Entebbe UPPC vs Vipers SC

Competition: StarTimes Uganda Premier League 2025/26

Venue: Bugonga Fisheries Grounds, Entebbe

Date: Saturday, November 1

Kick-off: 4:00 PM (EAT)

Live on: Sanyuka Prime TV

Vipers Sports Club return to domestic action this Saturday, launching their StarTimes Uganda Premier League title defence with a short but tricky trip to Entebbe, where newly-promoted Entebbe UPPC FC await at the Bugonga Fisheries Ground.

After bowing out of the CAF Champions League in the second preliminary round to Zambia’s Power Dynamos, the Venoms have reset their focus on local glory — determined to reaffirm their status as the dominant force in Ugandan football.

Head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert and his charges view this encounter not just as an opener, but as a statement of intent.

Learning Curves & New Energy

The continental experience exposed areas needing fine-tuning — especially in cohesion and defensive organization — but also offered invaluable lessons.

With a refreshed squad that mixes proven quality and youthful hunger, Vipers are poised to respond.

The likes of Milton Karisa (captain), Yunus Sentamu, Enock Luyima, and Odili Chukwuma will shoulder leadership duties, while exciting new signings look to impress on their league debut.

Form Guide: The Hosts Have Momentum

Entebbe UPPC, coached by former Vipers tacticians Abdallah Mubiru and Livingstone Mbabazi, have impressed since returning to top-flight football.

From four matches, they’ve collected seven points — with wins against Lugazi FC and NEC FC, and a spirited draw with SC Villa.

Their narrow 1-0 win over NEC last weekend — courtesy of Samuel Kawawa’s 60th-minute strike — showed a side that’s confident and well-organised.

The Bugonga outfit features familiar faces, including ex-Vipers players Fazil Tumwine, Issa Bugembe, and Isa Mubiru.

Head-to-Head Record

The two sides last met under UPPC’s former identity (Gaddafi FC) — the fixture ending goalless at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Historically, Vipers have the upper hand, winning four of the past six encounters, including a 2-1 away victory the last time they visited a Mubiru-led side.

Tactical Outlook

Minnaert’s Venoms are expected to dominate possession and press for an early breakthrough, while Mubiru’s UPPC will likely stay compact and look to counter through pace and width.

The duel between Allan Okello, Sentamu, and Karisa against UPPC’s defensive wall of Mustafa Mujjuzi and Ahmed Amayo promises a captivating battle.

Minnaert On A Mission

“The boys are motivated. We want to start strong and show the hunger to defend our crown,” said head coach Ivan Minnaert ahead of the derby.

The Entebbe Road Derby promises passion, pride, and purpose.

For Vipers, it’s about rediscovering rhythm and setting the tone for another successful domestic campaign.

For UPPC, it’s a chance to announce their arrival on the big stage with a famous result.

But it will all be about Vipers and their resolve to block the naysayers and ink a solid start.