In a dramatic twist of Matchday 26 in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL), Mbale Heroes FC’s brief stint in the top flight came to a sorrowful end following a 0-1 defeat at home to Maroons FC. Normiman Boniface’s 27th-minute strike sealed the Heroes’ fate, officially relegating them after just a single season back in the UPL. The loss caps a heartbreaking return for a club that waited 17 years for promotion, only to be sent straight back down to the FUFA Big League.
Meanwhile, Vipers SC showed championship grit with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over UPDF FC at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. Gusto Wa Ilungo Mulongo’s 73rd-minute goal was all the table leaders needed to bag three points and hold on to the summit. Despite a scoreless first half, Vipers displayed composure under pressure, maintaining their position as front-runners in the race for the title.
NEC FC, on the other hand, reignited their title hopes with a gritty 2-1 away win against Mbarara City FC at Kakyeka Stadium. The win trims the gap between them and Vipers SC to just five points, injecting fresh tension into the title chase as the season inches toward its climax. NEC’s resilience has made them a formidable threat, and their ambitions to snatch the trophy from under Vipers’ grasp are now very much alive.
Elsewhere, BUL FC put on a masterclass at the FUFA Technical Centre, thrashing Lugazi FC 4-0 with goals from Abdul Karim Ndugwa (brace), Ibrahim Orit, and Hillary Onek. KCCA FC also secured a tight 2-1 win over Police FC, while Express FC edged Soltilo Bright Stars 1-0. Kitara and Wakiso Giants played out a goalless draw at The Royals Park. URA FC and SC Villa shared spoils in a 1-1 draw after goals from Laban Tibiita and Kato Simon Ssemayange, respectively.
With just four rounds left, the StarTimes UPL has hit fever pitch. Mbale Heroes’ relegation serves as a brutal reminder of the league’s ruthlessness, while Vipers SC’s narrow escape and NEC’s relentless charge promise a fiery finish at the top. As the curtain begins to draw, fans are bracing for a thunderous conclusion to a season full of surprises, heartbreaks, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
Wednesday Result
FT:Mbarara City FC 1-2 NEC FC
FT:Kitara FC 0-0 Wakiso Giants FC
FT:Soltilo Bright Stars FC 0-1 Express FC
FT:Mbale Heroes FC 0-1 Maroons FC
FT:URA FC 1-1 SC Villa
