Saturday, May 18*Busoga United 0-3 BUL*URA 1-1 Bright Stars*Maroons 1-1 KCCA*Kitara 3-0 Gaddafi*NEC 0-2 SC Villa Lugogo*Wakiso Giants 0-1 UPDF*Vipers 4-1 Mbarara City
SC Villa has clinched the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League title, ending a two-decade-long wait, with a decisive 2-0 victory over NEC FC on the final day of the season at Lugogo.
Charles Lwanga and Hakim Kiwanuka emerged as the heroes for Villa, scoring two crucial second-half goals.
Villa, needing a win to secure their 17th league title, initially faced tense moments. At halftime, BUL were leading the standings as they held a two-goal advantage against Busoga United in Njeru.
Adding to the dramatic climax, Villa’s other title contenders, Kitara and Vipers, were also ahead in their respective matches, contributing to a thrilling finish to the season.
The breakthrough for Villa came in the 66th minute when Charles Lwanga headed in a precise cross from Umar Lutalo, igniting wild celebrations among the Villa supporters.
The atmosphere turned carnival-like when Patrick Jonah Kakande set up Kiwanuka for the second goal, sealing the victory.
This triumph was a stark contrast to last season’s heartbreak when Villa, needing a win on the final day, fell 1-0 to URA FC at Wankulukuku.
Under the guidance of coach Dusan Stojanovic, Villa’s victory marks their first league title since 2004, extending their record to 17 championships.
They conclude the season with 57 points, narrowly edging out BUL and Vipers, who both finished with 56 points after victories over Busoga United and Mbarara City, respectively.
Kitara, who defeated Gaddafi, secured fourth place and will now switch focus to Hussein Mbalangu’s NEC in the Uganda Cup final.
At the other end of the table, UPDF beat Wakiso Giants to survive relegation, hence sending down Jinja teams Busoga United and Gaddafi who join Arua Hill back to Big League.
SC Villa Defy Odds
It has been a season of resilience for the Jogoos, marked by key results that underscored their title credentials.
With two games to go, the narrative could have shifted if BUL had beaten Mbarara City away at Kakyeka, and Villa had fought back to beat URA on the same day to go top.
They started the season with a defeat to Kitara at Wankulukuku and failed to secure maximum points against Maroons in Luzira in their second game.
However, once they gained momentum, they appeared unstoppable and are deserved champions.
The 2-0 defeat to KCCA at Namboole at the start of this month seemed to jeopardize their title hopes, but they closed the campaign with a three-game winning streak.
They clinched the title under new coach Dusan Stojanovic, with notable contributions from players like Patrick Jonah Kakande, Umar Lutalo, and Kenneth Ssemakula.
Most UPL titles
SC Villa – 17KCCA – 13Express – 7Vipers – 6URA – 4Maroons – 2Simba – 2Coffee FC – 1Nile Breweries – 1Police – 1UCB – 1
Players Used
NEC – Benjamin Ochan, Tah Barni Kelvin, Geriga Atendele, Ibrahim Thembo,Cromwel Rwothomio, Allan Mugalu,Dhata Joseph Stephen, Gideon Odongo, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Rashid Okocha, Enock Ssebaggala
SC Villa – Jeans Braddy Wokorach, Kenneth Semakula, Arnold Odong, Joseph Kafumbe, Umar Lutalo, Hakim Kiwanuka, Gavin Kizito, Ronald Ssekiganda, Charles Lwanga, Missi Diego Semugera,Patrick Jonah Kakande
SC Villa Win Record Extending 17th UPL Title After 20-Year Wait
