Kampala, Uganda: The StarTimes Uganda Premier League double-header at Namboole on Saturday took an expected twist after Vipers SC failed to turn up for their scheduled fixture against Kitara FC, protesting the league’s new competition format.
The Venoms had earlier declared they would not participate under the revised structure, which they described as “unconsulted and irregular.” This decision followed a series of exchanges with FUFA and the UPL Secretariat between August and September, but no resolution was reached.
On Thursday, October 2, club president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa officially wrote to FUFA about the team’s withdrawal from the match, citing unresolved grievances. FUFA, however, maintained that the fixture would proceed as planned at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
By matchday, only Kitara FC players appeared at the empty Mandela National Stadium for warm-up sessions, while the Vipers’ end remained empty.
As per the competition’s regulations, Referee Shamirah Nabadda eventually awarded Kitara a 3-0 walkover victory while Vipers took the deficit on the other hand, with a possible fine in waiting for dishonoring the fixture.
The fixture had been part of a double-header evening, with KCCA FC facing SC Villa in the second match, which went on as planned.
The Kasasiro Boys defeated the Jogoos 2-1, Ivan Ahimbisibwe netting in the 31st minute before Najib Yiga leveled from the spot at the hour mark, and substitute Umar Lutalo sealed the win with a late free kick in the 89th minute.
KCCA now move to four points from two matches, while SC Villa remain pointless.
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