By 
Full-Time Results
- Vipers SC 1-0 Mbarara City
- Maroons 0-0 KCCA
- UPDF 2-0 SC Villa
Vipers SC paid tribute to their late Nigerian forward, Abubakar Lawal, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mbarara City at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Sunday, 2nd March 2025.
The match was played in an emotional atmosphere as players, fans, and officials honored Lawal, who tragically passed away recently.
A Tribute to Abubakar Lawal
Venoms paying tribute to fallen Abubakar Lawal at the St. mary’s stadium Kitende – (Credit: Joel Kivumbi)
Before kickoff, a moment of silence was observed, with all Vipers players wearing green shirts bearing Lawal’s image. The team also posed for a pre-match photo holding his number 8 jersey, a touching gesture in memory of their fallen teammate.
Okello’s Penalty Secures the Win
On the pitch, Mbarara City proved a tough opponent, but the deadlock was broken in the 66th minute when Vipers were awarded a penalty after Junior Yunus Sentamu was fouled in the box by goalkeeper Abdul Kimera.
Allan Okello stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, sending Kimera the wrong way to score his 14th league goal of the season.
Allan Okello celebrates after scoring for Vipers against Mbarara City. Courtesy photo
A Tight First Half
Vipers started the game brightly, with Nico Wakiro Wadada making an early attacking run down the right flank.
However, Mbarara City were not intimidated, as Peter Onzima and Almahad Sadik Nasur tested the Vipers’ defense in the first half.
Despite several chances from both sides, the teams went into halftime goalless.
Second-Half Drama
After the break, Mbarara City came out strong, pushing for an opener. But Vipers’ defense, marshalled by Livingstone Mulondo, stood firm.
Tensions boiled over on the Mbarara City bench after the penalty decision, with assistant coach Zaidi Byekwaso receiving a yellow card for his protests.
In the 75th minute, Mbarara City thought they had equalized when Henry Kitegenyi found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Vipers Stay Top, Mbarara Struggles Continue
Vipers’ 1-0 win keeps them top of the UPL table with 43 points, having won 13 of their 18 matches.
Mbarara City, who were without head coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, suffered their 8th loss of the season and remain 12th on the table with 20 points.
The victory also served as a fitting tribute to Abubakar Lawal, whose memory remains alive as Vipers continue their push for the title.
Elsewhere in the UPL
- KCCA’s struggles continued as they failed to win again in 2025, settling for a goalless draw against Maroons in Luzira.
- SC Villa suffered another away loss, falling 2-0 to UPDF, coached by Paul Kiwanuka.
The UPL action resumes on Monday, 3rd March, with Wakiso Giants visiting Express at Hamz Stadium under floodlights.
