Having confidently announced that Vipers were to be champions last season, the prediction came to reality as they ended as winners.

In the same season, I predicted Spain to be World Champions, Senegal to win the Afcon and Arsenal to clinch the English Premier League.

A lot has changed going into this season with two extra teams promoted to make it 18, making this season arguably the toughest to predict.

[1] KCCA

Last season: 2^nd

The Kasasiro have not won the league since 2019 and only ended their seven-year wait for any silverware by clinching the Fufa Super 8. They look to be in perfect shape going into the campaign and I have a feeling they can win the title.

Brian Ssenyondo’s side have added quality to the squad with the arrival of Ibrahim Kasule, Charles Lwanga and Yunus Sibira.

They will have the confidence and motivation to go on and clinch title no.14.

[2] Vipers SC

Last season: Champions

Defended their title for the first time last season and literally won it unbeaten. They have quality and experience all over and their signings including the arrival of Ceaser Manzoki and Farouk Miya.

However, I feel like their concentration will be on the Caf Champions League and if they get into the group stages, it maybe a destruction back home.

[3] NEC FC

Last season: 5^th 

Chaotic start to last season saw Hussein Mbalangu replaced by Badru Kaddu. They have stability, quality and squad depth to compete with the big boys.

The arrival of Fahad Bayo adds more threat in attack and they have done good business save for letting Joseph Sseremba leave for Nairobi United.

They will definitely be in contention for the title and finish in the top five.

[4] Kitara

Last season: 4^th

Wasswa Bbosa’s outstanding works at Kitara continued when they won the Stanbic Uganda Cup and took them back to continental football.

He is a winner but the loss of Yunus Sibira leaves Frank Tumwesigye Zaga with the burden to anchor that midfield alongside arrivals Misi Ssemugera and Nicholas Kasozi.

So many new faces could mean delay to gel and though they will be competitive, the league title will remain out of reach.

[5] SC Villa

Last season: 3^rd

Eye brows maybe raised here but Villa could have a tough season after the loss of key players Charles Lwanga, Elvis Ngonde, Misi Ssemugera and Hassan Mubiru and skipper David Owori (RIP).

The additions are inexperienced and have no premier league experience which may take time for them to be among the top competitors for the title.

Nevertheless, SC Villa have the core of the team and still have quality in Patrick Kakande, Frank Ssebuufu, Raymond Barasa and Geoffrey Lubangakene. Top 5^th finish is a possibility but I don’t see them clinching no. 18.

[6] Entebbe UPPC

Last season: 5^th

Abdallah Mubiru did a great job with the Printers last season finishing 5^th on their return to the premier league and looking at their additions this window, expect another competitive.

The additions of Reich Kokolo, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Sharif Ssengendo, Ibrahim Orit means appear to have galvanised the team even more but they needed a better striker to support Ambrose Kigozi.

[7] Express FC

Last season:  10^th

New manager. New CEO. New ambition. The purse strings have been loosened at Express this window, so there are no excuses for a repeat of last season’s shambles, when Jimmy Kintu Mwere – their second coach of the season after Badru Kaddu led them in opening stages of the season.

Morley Byekwaso is now in the driving seat and has been backed big time, so optimism is running high.

So many smart signings including experienced players in Mathias Kigonya, Shafik Batambuze, Rogers Atube and the return of crowd puller Alpha Ssali and Derrick Ddungu.

There is optimism at the club and without doubt, they will have a good season than last one.

[8] URA

Last season: 11^th

How did a squad with URA’s obvious quality end up winning just five league matches?

First, they had Alex Isabirye in charge who was sacked and replaced by Hussein Mbalangu whose time wasn’t extended beyond a few months at the club.

Now, Jimmy Kintu Mwera is in charge and has been supported with the buys he has previously worked with at Express.

The club wants to get back to being competitive and it will be different from last season but I don’t expect them to go for the title.

The Kintu era – like all other managerial eras at URA – will be scrutinized after every match.

[9] Police FC

Last season: 7^th

Matia Lule’s side appeared to be going for the title at one time last season but lost track along the way with abysmal showings in the second round.

They have lost key players Brian James Obedi, Rayan Kizito Figo and let experienced forward Umar Kasumba leave.

Some of the incomings Ivan Mayanja will surely improve the side but it doesn’t look like they will do better than last season.  

[10] BUL

Last season: 9^th

Having let more than ten experienced players leave in the transfer window, they may struggle to be as competitive as they have always been and this could a different season with many kids on the team.

In Alex Isabirye, they have a good coach who has added some good players in Edward Masembe and Faizo Matovu as well.

It could be another finish in the bottom half like it was last season.

[11] Maroons

Last season: 8^th

Simon Tamale and Hassan Matovu departures leave a gap in the goalkeeping department, Ivan Mayanja and Rogers Kiwanuka have also left.

That is too much experience lost but they still have a good squad comprising of Ronald Orombi, Abel Eturude and Marvin Oshaba to inspire Maroons but a top eighth finish could be far-fetched.

[12] Mbarara City

Last season: 12^th

There is a lot of optimism at the club this season with African Coffee Park now board as partners.

The return of Brian Aheebwa, Rogers Mugisha and acquisitions like Bashir Ssekagya and Robert Vvuni will improve the side but this is not a campaign for them to go for the crown like their leadership asserted.

[13] Lugazi

Last season: 13^th

Lugazi have made wholesome changes to the squad with more than 12 new players arriving at the club under a new coach Kikomeko.

It is in that regard that I believe they may struggle with cohesion but in Richard Ayiko, Cromwell Rwothomio, Vincent Zziwa and the exciting Abdul Kalanzi, they have a squad to compete for a top 8^th finish but they will still finish outside of the top half.

[14] UPDF

Last season: 14^th

They are only playing in the premiership this season because only two teams were relegated last season.

Their most important signing for them this window is head coach Hussein Mbalangu but loss of key players Ronald Kayondo and Enrique Lubwama could hurt.

Most of their new signings are from the lower division and that may hurt but they can still stay up.

[15] Kigezi Home Boyz

Last season: N/a

They have done a lot of work off the pitch with the appointment of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi as the patron and have also appointed experienced coach Kefa Kisala to lead the team.

However, their recruitment has been lacking in terms of experience and will surely fight for survival.

[16] Ntugasaze

Last season: N/a

They have come with vibe and secured good sponsorship but on the field, they may struggle to match the premier league demands.

Head coach Pius Ngabo has a lot of work to do to keep them afloat.

[17] Blacks Power

Last season: N/a

They have earned their return to the premier league but not sure they have done enough to stay up.

Simon Peter Mugerwa will have a lot on his hands to survive relegation.

[18] Kataka

Last season: N/a

There has not been any activity heard from their side and they will surely surprise many if they stay up.

The post Where will your club finish? Ismael Kiyonga’s 2026/27 UPL prediction appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Saturday August 29, 2026

• MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm

KCCA and NEC lock horns in a highly anticipated clash at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo on Saturday as they aim for maximum points in their 2026/27 season opener.

The two sides faced off a week ago with the Kasasiro edging the contest 1-0 in the Fufa Super 8 thanks to a decisive goal from Said Mayanja.

Brian Ssenyondo and Badru Kaddu, head coaches at KCCA and NEC respectively both believe the Fufa Super 8 final match is now in the past.

“We won, celebrated and now focus is on winning the league,” said Ssenyondo. “It is a different fixture and we want to win and start on a good note,” he added.

“It will be a tough game but this is an opportunity to play well and I believe we shall represent ourselves well on the day.”

On the other hand, Kaddu said; “The final is a different match altogether because its is about the result mainly but we have another chance to rectify what we didn’t do well then.

“Put away the chances we create and defending well and the target is to get all three points against our local rivals.”

KCCA will be without Anthony Emojong (sick) while Ibrahim Kasule has fitness doubts although he will be in the match day squad.

NEC have reported no injury worries implying forward Fahad Bayo could make his debut after he was stretchered off moments after coming on in the finale.

Key stat:

• NEC edge the H2H contest with three victories [L2, D1] but lost the reverse fixture 2-1 last season with Said Mayanja scoring a brace.

Elsewhere, SC Villa host Kitara at Wankulukuku, Lugazi take on Kigezi Home Boyz at Najjembe, Kataka are away to UPDF in Bukedea, Police are at home to Mbarara City in Kamwokya while newcomers Blacks Power and Ntugasaze lock horns at Hoima City stadium.

Saturday August 29, 2026 fixtures

• Blacks Power vs Ntugasaze – Hoima City stadium 4pm
• SC Villa vs Kitara – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm Live TV
• Lugazi vs Kigezi Home Boyz – Lugazi FC stadium, Najjembe 4pm
• Police vs Mbarara City – Kira Police Arena, Kamwokya 4pm
• UPDF vs Kataka – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 7pm

Sunday August 30, 2026 fixtures

• BUL vs Express – Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru 4pm
• Maroons vs URA – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm

The post Lugogo rivals KCCA, NEC battle for pride, victory in league opener appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Saturday August 29, 2026

• Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm

All eyes will be on 17-time champions SC Villa as they lock horns with Stanbic Uganda Cup winners Kitara at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.

The fixture is a repeat of last season’s Uganda Cup final which the Royals edged 2-1 at Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru in May and they also recently met in the Fufa Super 8 with Villa edging a penalty contest after a goalless draw.

Back in 2023, this was the league’s opening fixture and Kitara won it injury time with a goal from Kabon Living who has since returned to the side.

Despite having average pre-season performances, Wasswa Bbosa says lessons have been learnt and implementation is on.

“The results or performances in the pre-season won’t matter here,” said Bbosa. “We used the pre-season to correct our errors and expect a different side when we start off the league,” he added.

The hosts have injury concerns with former Kitara midfielder Najib Yiga and vice-captain Aslam Ssemakula ruled out.

Kitara have no reported no absentees and will have former Villa players Meddie Kibirige, Nicholas Kasozi, Emmanuel Wasswa, Isa Lumu, George Ssenkaaba and Martin Kizza in line to face former pay masters.

Kabon Living, Patrick Kaddu and Jimmy Kalema will be key for the Royals who are using the same match as a trial ahead of their Caf Confederation Cup match against Mogadishu City.

For Zeljko Kovacevic, all eyes will be on Frank Ssebuufu, Simon Ssemayange and star man Patrick Kakande for inspiration.

Key Stat:

• Overall, there have been ten competitive meetings between the two sides with Kitara registering four wins [L3, D3]

In other matches on Saturday, KCCA and NEC face off in Lugogo derby, Mbarara visit Police, UPDF take on Kataka, Blacks Power host Ntugasaze and Lugazi are at home to Kigezi Home Boyz.

Saturday August 29, 2026 fixtures

• Blacks Power vs Ntugasaze – Hoima City stadium 4pm
• KCCA vs NEC – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm
• SC Villa vs Kitara – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm Live TV
• Lugazi vs Kigezi Home Boyz – Lugazi FC stadium, Najjembe 4pm
• Police vs Mbarara City – Kira Police Arena, Kamwokya 4pm
• UPDF vs Kataka – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 7pm

Sunday August 30, 2026 fixtures

• BUL vs Express – Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru 4pm
• Maroons vs URA – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm

The post Villa host Kitara in repeat of Uganda Cup final on match round one appeared first on Kawowo Sports.