FUFA Continues with Dictatorship Stance, Declines Vipers’ Plea

Vipers Sports Club have been handed a forfeiture defeat by the FUFA Disciplinary Panel after being found guilty of failing to honour a Uganda Premier League (UPL) fixture against Kitara FC.

The decision, delivered on February 12, 2026 at FUFA House in Mengo, concluded that Vipers breached Article 16 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code when they failed to show up for their ‘infamous new format’ scheduled league match on October 4, 2025 at Mandela National Stadium.

As a result, the fixture has officially been awarded to Kitara FC by forfeiture, handing the Hoima-based side maximum points from the abandoned contest.

In a significant development, however, the Disciplinary Panel exercised discretion under Article 5 of the Code and ruled that Vipers SC will not suffer an additional three-point and three-goal deduction beyond the forfeited match.

Ordinarily, failure to honour a fixture can attract further sporting sanctions, but the panel opted against imposing extra punishment. The ruling was declared final, effectively bringing the matter to a close with no additional disciplinary consequences for the Venoms.

Implications for the Title Race

The outcome could have notable ramifications in the ongoing Uganda Premier League campaign, where the battle for the title and continental qualification places remains tightly contested.

While Vipers avoid further sanctions that could have significantly dented their ambitions, the forfeiture hands Kitara FC an important administrative boost. In a league where margins are often slim, the awarded points may yet prove decisive in shaping the final standings.

Kitara Cleared in Separate Petition

In a separate ruling, the FUFA Disciplinary Panel dismissed a petition lodged by KCCA FC, who had alleged that Kitara fielded an ineligible player during their September 26 league encounter.

After review, the panel upheld the original match result, stating that no ineligible player was fielded and that Kitara complied with player eligibility regulations.

The twin decisions underscore FUFA’s firm stance on fixture compliance and regulatory adherence, while also highlighting the panel’s willingness to exercise discretion where deemed appropriate.

With the verdict declared final, focus now shifts back to the pitch as clubs resume their push in what promises to be a fiercely contested UPL season.