The next chapter of the Vipers SC journey begins in Kigali.
The Venoms have departed Uganda for Rwanda this morning with a full-strength 24-man squad as they prepare for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, carrying the confidence of defending domestic champions and the ambition of adding another trophy to their growing collection.
The regional championship, which runs from July 24 to August 7, brings together some of East and Central Africa’s finest clubs, providing the perfect early-season test for a Vipers side determined to set the tone under new head coach Denis Lavagne.
For the French tactician and his technical team, the tournament represents more than a competition.
It is the beginning of a new journey.
A New Era Under Lavagne Begins
Since taking charge, Coach Lavagne has been tasked with building on Vipers’ success while introducing his own football philosophy. The CECAFA Kagame Cup presents the first competitive opportunity for the new head coach to assess his squad in a high-pressure environment.
Every training session, every tactical instruction and every match will provide valuable information as Lavagne begins shaping the identity of his team.
With an elite squad assembled, expectations are high.
The mission is clear: Respect the process. Compete at the highest level. Fight for silverware.
Champions With Serious Intent
Vipers travel to Kigali after another successful domestic campaign that saw them retain the Uganda Premier League title. But the Venoms are not travelling simply to participate. They are travelling to compete.
The club’s culture has always been built around winning, and the CECAFA Kagame Cup offers the first opportunity of the new campaign to demonstrate that mentality beyond Uganda’s borders.
Experience, Quality & New Firepower
Coach Lavagne has named a squad combining established Vipers stars with exciting new additions ready to make their mark.
Among the headline names included are the marquee arrivals; Farouk Miya, Cesar Manzoki, Joel Sserunjogi, Nicholas Mwere and Loyce Mbaba.
The arrivals bring different qualities and experiences, but all share one objective – contributing to Vipers’ pursuit of success.
For these fresh faces, Kigali represents the first major opportunity to impress their new coach and earn their place in the core team’s plans.
Tough Group A Test Awaits
Vipers have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts and Rwandan champions APR FC, Kenyan giants Gor Mahia and Djibouti representatives FC Garde Républicaine.
The group promises intense competition, with every fixture expected to provide a demanding examination. Facing strong regional opposition will allow the Venoms to measure themselves against some of the best clubs in East and Central Africa.
Squad Update: Two Absent Through Injury
The travelling squad will be without midfielders Enock Ssebaggala and Enock Luyima. The pair remain in Kampala as they continue their rehabilitation programmes under the guidance of the club’s medical department.
Vipers remain committed to ensuring both players receive the necessary support as they work towards full recovery.
First Test Of The Lavagne Project
The CECAFA Kagame Cup arrives at the perfect moment for Vipers. It is a stage where champions are tested, new signings are measured and ambitions are revealed.
The last time the Venoms participated in this regional carnival, they got eliminated by Kenyan traditional powerhouse Gor Mahia 3-1 at the quarterfinal stage in 2018.
For Denis Lavagne, his technical team and the players, the message is simple as the standards must remain high and the expectations remain unchanged.
The pursuit of success starts in earnest in Kigali and it must find the Venoms ready.
VIPERS SC 24-MAN KAGAME CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Loyce Mbaba, Denis Kiggundu & Jack Komakech
Defenders: Hilary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Kevin Bady Dasylva, Patrick Mbowa, Derrick Ndahiro, Nicholas Mwere
Midfielders: Joel Sserunjogi, Karim Watambala, Amour Munogera, Farouk Miya, Usama Arafat, Odili Chukwuma
Forwards: Yunus Sentamu, Cesar Manzoki, Glodi Beyuku Munsi, Milton Karisa, Annest Ankunda, Isaac Ogwang