History will shimmer under the Kitende lights this Saturday as Vipers SC prepare to etch their name deeper into Ugandan football folklore. For the first time since the league’s inception in 1968, the Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions will not only hoist the official trophy but also receive a replica , a gleaming keepsake to enshrine their legacy in the club’s cabinet. This monumental shift, introduced by FUFA, ends decades of absence where past winners had no tangible token of their triumphs.
Vipers SC, crowned champions with a game to spare, will be the inaugural recipients of this replica, adding sparkle to their seventh league title. The ceremonial unveiling of the new trophy , sculpted in fine silver and inspired by Uganda’s majestic Rwenzori Mountains — will take place after their final match against Soltilo Bright Stars at the fortress of St Mary’s Stadium. The fixture, though a formality on the pitch, will serve as a historic backdrop for a new chapter in local football presentation.
The new FUFA UPL trophy is a masterclass in symbolism and craftsmanship. Standing precisely 511 millimetres tall to reflect the 5.11-kilometre climb to Margherita Peak, its form embodies ambition, resilience, and excellence. A crescent arc sits atop a vertically stretched football structure , a nod to rising potential and fresh beginnings. Its silver-coated finish, textured base, and dual-tier pedestal inscribed with “FUFA” and “Uganda Premier League” speak volumes of prestige, stature, and the elevation of the domestic game.
Celebrations will hit fever pitch as Vipers SC host a glitzy post-match gala, with top Ugandan musicians slated to ignite the night in a lavish appreciation to fans, partners, and players. A victory against the already relegated Bright Stars will mark their 22nd win of the season and cap a stellar campaign that reflects dominance, strategy, and style. Key players like Milton Karisa and Allan Okello are expected to lead the ceremonial trophy lift, adding yet another golden memory to Vipers’ growing archive.
This evolution in trophy culture, driven by FUFA’s vision to modernize the league, is a seismic shift for Ugandan football. It not only honours the champions with deserved recognition but sets the bar for future seasons, reigniting competitive fire among clubs. With silver now tied to success, Uganda’s topflight football enters a new era , where glory isn’t just won, it’s remembered.
