SC Villa Win Record Extending 17th UPL Title After 20-Year Wait

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.

Most UPL titles

SC Villa – 17
KCCA – 13
Express – 7
Vipers – 6
URA – 4
Maroons – 2
Simba – 2
Coffee FC – 1
Nile Breweries – 1
Police – 1
UCB – 1

More details to follow