By 
Vipers SC have placed John Luyinda ‘Ayala’ in charge of the first team following the departure of head coach Denis Lavagne.
The reigning Uganda Premier League champions confirmed the development on Monday, turning to a familiar face as they look to steady their season and continue their title defence.
Luyinda steps up having most recently served as Lavagne’s assistant and is no stranger to the Kitende dugout.
He first worked at Vipers as Abdallah Mubiru’s assistant in 2016 before returning to the club in 2024 as part of Nikola Kavazovic’s technical team.
He later co-coached the Venoms alongside Fred Muhumuza and played a role as the club completed a domestic double by winning the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup in 2025.
Luyinda subsequently served as assistant to Ivan Minnaert last season as Vipers successfully defended their league crown.
His coaching experience also includes spells at Wakiso Giants, KCCA FC and Police FC.
As a player, Luyinda featured for Kampala United, Maji FC, SC Villa and KCCA FC.
His appointment comes after Vipers parted ways with French tactician Lavagne, who had only taken charge ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Lavagne arrived at Kitende in June with the task of defending the domestic title and leading the Venoms into the group stages of the CAF Champions League.
Their continental campaign, however, ended at the preliminary stage after elimination by Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou.
Luyinda now takes over a side looking to find consistency domestically and mount another challenge for the Uganda Premier League title.
The new man in charge believes his familiarity with the squad will help him settle quickly into the role.
“Having the responsibility to lead Vipers SC is an honour,” Luyinda said.
“I have worked with a number of the players already and I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.”
