Matchday 13 delivers goals, drama as Vipers hit summit

Matchday 13 – Saturday Results

URA 0–3 Vipers SC

Express 3–1 Buhimba United

NEC 3–3 Kitara FC

Mbarara City 0–0 Lugazi

Matchday 13 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League concluded in emphatic fashion, with goals, momentum swings and a change at the summit defining a free-scoring Saturday that produced 13 goals and plenty of talking points across the grounds.

Defending champions Vipers SC provided the clearest statement of the day, brushing aside URA 3–0 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo to rise to the top of the table. 

The Venoms wasted no time asserting control, with brace hero Karim Watambala striking inside the opening two minutes after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the area. 

The early breakthrough settled Vipers into rhythm as they dictated play and kept URA under sustained pressure.

That control translated into a second goal late on when Gusto Mulongo finished neatly from Usama Arafat’s delivery 10 minutes from time, before Watambala completed his double with a well-placed curling effort to put the result beyond doubt. 

The win moved Vipers to 30 points, underlining their consistency as the title race gathered further momentum.

Police and KCCA, who have played a game more than Vipers, are tied on 27 points in second and third places respectively. URA are 12th on 11 points.

While Vipers impressed through authority, the day’s most dramatic contest unfolded in Lugogo, where NEC and Kitara played out a pulsating 3–3 draw in a match packed with twists. 

NEC recovered from early pressure to take command before the break, capitalising on defensive lapses as Joseph Sseremba and Joseph Dhata gave the hosts a two-goal cushion.

Kitara, however, responded with renewed intensity after halftime. Substitute George Ssenkaaba headed in to reduce the deficit before Gaddafi Wahab calmly converted from the penalty spot to restore parity. 

NEC appeared set to claim all three points when Emmanuel Kulanga struck late to make it 3–2, but Kitara’s resilience shone through, with Emmanuel Wasswa rising highest to head home a dramatic equaliser in the final moments.

The point, NEC’s 16th, moves them one place up to eighth, while Kitara are two positions and seven points above them.

Earlier at Nakivubo, Express set the scoring tone on the day with a 3–1 victory over Buhimba United. 

Mikidadi Ssenyonga’s powerful opener set them rolling, though Buhimba briefly levelled through Edson Agondeze. 

John Asiimwe quickly restored Express’ lead, and Henry Wamala’s composed finish sealed a deserved win for the Red Eagles.

The Red Eagles’ only fourth win of the campaign has them in 10th place with 15 points, while Buhimba are a place and two points below them.

With Matchday 13 now complete, the league table reflected both movement at the summit and tightening contests across the standings. 

Thirteen goals, late drama and shifting momentum ensured the round closed with attacking intent – setting the stage for Matchday 14, which kicks off on Tuesday, January 27.