By 
Vipers SC were forced to settle for a second consecutive Uganda Premier League draw after a 1-1 result against URA FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, in a match that tested the leaders’ consistency in the title race.
Despite entering the fixture as clear favourites and playing at home, Vipers were made to work hard by a disciplined URA side that executed their game plan effectively, especially in the first half.
The visitors took a surprise lead in the 35th minute when defender Ronald Otti powered home a header from a well-delivered free-kick by Isma Mugulusi, beating goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu. The goal silenced the Kitende crowd.
URA continued to threaten, with John Innocent Kisolo testing Kiggundu from distance, but the Vipers goalkeeper stood firm to prevent further damage before halftime.
After a woeful opening half, Vipers came out for the second half with renewed intensity and found the equalizer just four minutes after the restart. Arafat Kiza Usama rose highest to head home in the 49th minute after sustained pressure, with the move stemming from a chaotic sequence that included Hilary Mukundane’s effort crashing off the crossbar following a long throw-in from Ashraf Mandela.
That goal shifted momentum back toward the home side, who began to push URA deeper into their own half.
Vipers created several opportunities to complete the comeback, with Abdul-Karim Watambala coming close from a free kick in the 67th minute, narrowly missing the target.
Both teams made tactical changes as the game progressed. Vipers introduced Yunus Junior Sentamu and Glodi Beyuku to add attacking spark, while URA responded with Fred Amaku, George Masembe, and later Norman Namanya to stabilize and manage the closing stages.
URA were also forced into a setback when defender Bright Joseph Vuni suffered a muscle strain and had to be substituted.
Despite sustained pressure in the final minutes, Vipers could not find a breakthrough, as URA defended deep and held their shape well.
The draw marks Vipers’ second consecutive stalemate in the league, a slight dip in form for the table leaders as the title race intensifies. They now move to 60 points from 27 matches, still maintaining a five-point gap at the top over second-placed KCCA FC.
URA FC, meanwhile, climb to 26 points and remain in 11th position.
In the next games, Vipers will visit Police FC in Kira on Tuesday while URA will battle relegation placed Calvary at Ham Stadium.
