Vipers SC capped off a brilliant season with a commanding 2-0 win over KCCA FC in the 2024/25 Stanbic Uganda Cup final, securing a historic domestic double at the newly inaugurated FUFA Stadium in Kadiba, Rubaga. The much-anticipated clash attracted thousands of fans, eager to witness not just the title decider but also the official opening of one of Uganda’s newest football venues.
It took Vipers just five minutes to silence the KCCA faithful. Defender Livingstone Mulondo rose highest to nod home a corner delivered by Allan Okello, punishing KCCA for some sloppy marking in the box. The goal came against the early momentum, as KCCA had looked sharp in the opening exchanges. Emmanuel Anyama nearly brought the Lugogo side level in the 39th minute, but his effort inside the area went agonizingly wide.
Tempers flared and the tackles flew as both sides fought for dominance. Vipers captain Milton Karisa, KCCA’s James Mubezi, and Derrick Ndahiiro all found themselves in the referee’s book before halftime. KCCA made changes at the break, replacing defender Musitafa Mujjuzi with Joel Sserunjogi in a bid to gain control in midfield. But just ten minutes into the second half, disaster struck again. KCCA defender Peter Magambo failed to clear a ball properly, and Yunus Junior Sentamu pounced with a thunderous volley to double Vipers’ lead.
With the game slipping away, KCCA made a flurry of substitutions. Gabriel and Anyama were withdrawn for Julius Poloto and Derrick Nsibambi, while Arafat Usama and Ashraf Mugume made way for Etienne Katenga and Umar Lutalo. Despite the injection of fresh legs and Poloto’s constant delivery from set-pieces, KCCA couldn’t crack the Vipers backline. Lutalo had a decent opportunity but failed to keep his shot on target.
Vipers, who had controlled much of the game with calm authority, made late changes of their own. Allan Okello, who had faded in the second half, was replaced by Moses Waiswa. Sentamu was also rested for Congolese striker Gusto Mulongo, who tested the keeper from distance with his very first touch. Veteran right-back Nicholas Wadada entertained the crowd with some stylish touches before being substituted in stoppage time for Grant Matisko.
The final whistle confirmed Vipers’ fourth Uganda Cup triumph, adding to previous wins in 2015–16, 2019–20, and 2022–23. More significantly, it sealed their second domestic double, repeating the feat from two seasons ago. On a night of individual brilliance, Vipers swept most of the post-match awards. Abdul-Karim Watambala was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while both Sentamu and Mulondo ended as joint top scorers with four goals apiece. Mulondo was also voted Best Defender, and Dennis Kiggundu took home the Best Goalkeeper award. KCCA’s Arafat Usama Kiza was recognized as the Best Midfielder.
