The wait is finally over as the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season gets underway on Friday with champions Vipers set to host Entebbe UPPC at St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende.

The Venoms, with new coach Denis Lavagne want to use the game as a percussor for their Caf Champions League preliminary first round clash against Mauritania’s Nouadhibou.

“We want to start well and the target is to defend our title,” said Lavagne.

The hosts could still miss Nicholas Mwere and Enock Ssebagala who were also absent for the Fufa Super Cup 3-1 win over Kitara at Nakivubo last week but no other injuries have been reported at the club.

On the other hand, Entebbe UPPC will be without six key players for the opening match including last season’s club top scorer Ambrose Kigozi and Isa Bugembe who have missed big chunk of pre-season.

New signings Anwar Ntege and Grant Matsiko are also out as well as Ahmed Amayo and Julius Poloto.

Last season two meetings ended with Vipers winning both matches and will be favourites on the opening day.

Elsewhere on match day one, KCCA host NEC in Lugogo derby, Blacks Power take on Ntugasaze at Hoima City stadium, SC Villa lock horns with Kitara at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku while Kigezi visit Lugazi on Saturday.

There will also be two more matches on Saturday with Mbarara City visiting Lugazi and UPDF hosting Kataka.

On Sunday, eight-time champions Express visit BUL at Njeru while Maroons host URA at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.

Match day one fixtures summary

Friday August 29, 2026

  • Vipers vs Entebbe UPPC – St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende 8pm

Saturday August 30, 2026

  • KCCA vs NEC – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm
  • Blacks Power vs Ntugasaze – Hoima City stadium 4pm
  • SC Villa vs Kitara – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm Live TV
  • Lugazi vs Kigezi Home Boyz – Lugazi FC stadium, Najjembe 4pm
  • Police vs Mbarara City – Kira Police Arena, Kamwokya 4pm
  • UPDF vs Kataka – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 7pm

Sunday August 30, 2026

  • BUL vs Express – Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru 4pm
  • Maroons vs URA – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm