Fixture: URA FC vs Vipers SC
Competition: StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Kick-off: 8:00 PM
Venue: Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo
URA FC will be looking to build on their recent victory over UPDF FC when they welcome defending champions Vipers SC to Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday night in a crucial StarTimes Uganda Premier League encounter.
The Tax Collectors head into the eagerly anticipated 8pm kick-off with renewed confidence following their 1-0 victory over UPDF FC on Tuesday, a result that marked a winning start for returning head coach Sam Ssimbwa and offered fresh hope of turning around their early-season fortunes.
With seven points from seven matches, URA will be eager to collect another maximum return as they seek to climb away from the relegation zone and gradually improve their position on the league table.
However, Saturday presents another significant test against a Vipers SC side equally desperate for a positive response after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Mbarara City in their previous outing in Kamwenge.
Tax Collectors Target Another Strong Performance
Having ended their disappointing run against UPDF FC, URA will be keen to use home advantage and the confidence gained from that victory to secure another important result.
The appointment of Ssimbwa has brought renewed determination within the camp, with the technical team and players continuing to work towards improving their overall performance.
The preparations have largely focused on correcting mistakes from previous outings, strengthening the team’s organisation and improving efficiency in both departments.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Ssimbwa expressed confidence in his players’ readiness, insisting that the team understands the importance of collecting maximum points.
Head Coach Sam Ssimbwa said:
“The victory against UPDF was an important step, but we know there is still a lot of work to do. We have continued training hard, identifying and correcting the mistakes we have been making while improving different aspects of our game. The players are responding positively, and we are preparing well for Vipers. Our objective is to win again, collect maximum points and start climbing the table. We have great respect for our opponents, but we are equally determined to get the result we want.”
Tibiita: We Are Ready for the Challenge
Midfielder Laban Tibiita has also expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, emphasising the importance of Saturday’s fixture and the collective determination within the dressing room.
Tibiita believes the players are fully aware of what is at stake and are ready to give their best as they pursue another important victory in front of their home supporters.
Laban Tibiita said:
“We understand how important this game is for us and the position we want to reach on the table. Everyone in the team is ready, and we have been working hard in training to make sure we are well prepared. The victory against UPDF gave us confidence, and we want to build on that momentum. We know Vipers are a good side, but we believe in ourselves, and our focus is on giving everything to secure all three points.”
Vipers Arrive Wounded but Determined
The defending champions will also be seeking an immediate response after their disappointing defeat to Mbarara City, which has left them eight points behind the league leaders.
The Venoms recently appointed John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda following their separation with French tactician Denis Lavagne, but his first assignment ended in defeat.
With both sides having undergone changes in their technical departments, Saturday’s encounter offers an interesting contest between two teams eager to rediscover their winning form.
Vipers, however, boast a superior recent head-to-head record, having won seven of their last ten meetings with URA, with the Tax Collectors registering one victory and two encounters ending in draws.
The corresponding fixture at Nakivubo last season ended in a 3-0 victory for the Venoms.
Nevertheless, URA will be encouraged by their recent improvement and the fresh impetus brought by Ssimbwa’s return, as they seek to rewrite that narrative.
A Big Night for the Tax Collectors
With the league campaign still having plenty of football ahead, Saturday presents URA with an opportunity to build momentum, restore confidence and move closer to the upper half of the standings.
The Tax Collectors will be counting on home advantage as the team targets another memorable night under the Hamz Stadium floodlights.