STANBIC UGANDA CUP SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: KITARA FC VS VIPERS SC (2ND LEG)

Saturday, May 17th, 2025 | 3PM |

Royals Park Stadium, Butema

Broadcast: Sanyuka Prime TV / FUFA TV 

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Kitara FC welcomes Vipers SC to Royals Park Stadium in Butema for the highly anticipated second leg of the 2024/25 Stanbic Uganda Cup semi-final. With Vipers holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg, this showdown promises fireworks as Kitara look to overturn the deficit and secure back-to-back Cup finals.

The Battle of Butema: Kitara’s Last Stand

After narrowly falling to a late Yunus Sentamu goal in the first leg at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, Kitara FC return home with everything to fight for. Royals Park will be rocking with passionate fans as the Royals aim to deliver a two-goal win that would send them through to the final.

Head coach Wasswa Bbosa remains confident in his squad’s ability to deliver, emphasizing the significance of home advantage and the hunger for silverware.

“We narrowly lost to them at their home, but this time we’re at Royals Park. We must find goals and defend well. It’s our only shot at a trophy this season, and we’re ready,” said Bbosa.

Kitara’s path to the semis has been marked by resilience and grit. The defending champions have eliminated Young Simba, CATDA FC, Gaddafi FC, and BUL FC. Having lifted their maiden Uganda Cup title last season, the Royals are keen to make history by reaching a second straight final.

Key returns for Kitara will boost their chances. Midfield dynamo Titus Ssematimba, who missed the first leg due to suspension, is back. Rogers Mugisha, absent during Wednesday’s league loss, has recovered from a knock and is available for selection. 

Vipers Eye Domestic Double

Already crowned 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions, Vipers SC come into this clash with momentum and motivation to complete a prestigious domestic double. Fresh from their 2-0 league win over Kitara at the same venue earlier this week, the Venoms are confident—but not complacent.

Head coach Fred Muhumuza and assistant John 'Ayala' Luyinda have instilled a winning mentality in the side, and they know Kitara will pose a fierce challenge on their home turf.

Vipers’ road to the semis has been near-flawless:

Round of 64: 2-1 vs Tepa FC (Mulondo x2)

Round of 32: 2-0 vs Mbarara City (Sentamu, Okello)

Round of 16: 3-0 vs Blacks Power (Honjo, Sentamu, Mulondo)

Quarterfinal: 1-0 vs SC Villa (Karisa)

Semi-final 1st Leg: 1-0 vs Kitara (Sentamu)

With four Uganda Cup finals under their belt—including recent wins in 2016, 2021, and 2023—Vipers will be eager to add a fourth title to their trophy cabinet. The attacking trio of Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, and Gusto Mulongo, supported by creative maestro Allan Okello, make them a potent threat.

Sentamu, in particular, has proven to be Kitara’s tormentor, scoring in four of their last six encounters. Containing him will be critical for Kitara’s backline, especially stalwart defender Arthur Kiggundu.

A Brewing Rivalry

This semi-final marks the third consecutive year that Kitara and Vipers face off in the Uganda Cup. In 2023, Kitara stunned the Venoms by knocking them out on penalties in the quarterfinals. However, Vipers have since had the upper hand—winning three and drawing once in four encounters this season alone.

Despite Vipers’ recent dominance, Kitara remain a spirited side with strong Cup credentials. They’ll be buoyed by the memory of their title run last year and the raucous support expected at Butema.

Statistical Overview Head-to-Head

This Season:

League (Kitende): Vipers 0-0 Kitara

League (Butema): Kitara 0-2 Vipers

Uganda Cup 1st Leg: Vipers 1-0 Kitara

Previous Uganda Cup Titles:

Vipers SC: 2016, 2021, 2023 

Kitara FC: 2024

Key Players to Watch

Vipers SC:

Yunus Sentamu – Clinical finisher and proven big-game player

Milton Karisa – Captain and driving force on the flanks

Gusto Mulongo – Pace and power in attack

Allan Okello – The creative link in midfield

Kitara FC:

Arthur Kiggundu – Defensive rock at the back 

George Ssenkaaba – Versatile and industrious forward

Titus Ssematimba – Energetic and influential midfielder

Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye – Orchestrator in the midfield

What’s at Stake?

The winner of this tie will earn a ticket to the Stanbic Uganda Cup final, scheduled for May 31st at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba. For Kitara, it’s about defending their title. For Vipers, it’s the shot at a coveted double.

Expect passion. Expect drama. Expect a clash for the ages in Butema.

Who will book their place in Kadiba? We find out this Saturday.