THE MATCH RESULT

Vipers SC 3–1 BUL FC

48’ Enock Ssebaggala — Vipers

55’ Jeromy Kirya (FK) — BUL

60’ Karim Watambala (P) — Vipers

73’ Usama Arafat Kiza — Vipers

Vipers SC reignited their title push with a composed and commanding 3–1 comeback victory over BUL FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Saturday December 13, 2025, climbing to second place on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) table.

After recent frustrations, the Venoms delivered a performance marked by patience, ruthlessness, and attacking quality, with Enock Ssebaggala, Karim Watambala, and Usama Arafat all on target to seal a vital three points.

Cagey first half, tactical battle

The opening 45 minutes unfolded as a tense and physical contest, with both sides well-organised and unwilling to concede ground. Chances were limited as midfield battles dominated proceedings, and neither goalkeeper was seriously tested in a half defined more by structure than sparkle.

Ssebaggala sparks surge

The game burst into life immediately after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, Enock Ssebaggala lifted the Kitende crowd with a moment of brilliance, volleying home from outside the box to give Vipers a deserved lead and inject urgency into the contest.

BUL’s swift response

The advantage, however, proved fleeting. BUL FC responded almost instantly through Jeromy Kirya, whose well-struck free kick beat Alfred Mudekereza. A defensive lapse saw Enock Luyima fail to deal with the delivery, briefly blocking his goalkeeper’s view as the ball found the net to restore parity.

Penalty pressure, Watambala delivers

Vipers showed their resilience moments later. Referee William Oloya pointed to the spot after a handball in the BUL penalty area, handing the hosts a golden opportunity. Karim Watambala stepped up with confidence, calmly sending Tom Ikara the wrong way to restore Vipers’ lead.

That goal shifted the momentum decisively.

Usama seals it

With control firmly established, Vipers pressed on. Their dominance was rewarded in the 62nd minute when Usama Arafat capitalised on hesitant defending, delicately lifting the ball over Ikara to put the result beyond doubt and cap a polished attacking display.

Table impact & what it means

The victory lifts Vipers SC to 21 points, moving them into second place — just two points behind leaders KCCA FC, with a game in hand. It also marks a timely return to winning ways following the goalless draw away to Calvary and NEC FC [1-1].

For BUL FC, the defeat underscores defensive vulnerabilities that were ruthlessly exposed once Vipers found their rhythm.

Vipers will now look to build momentum as the title race tightens, with confidence restored and Kitende once again a fortress.