The 2025 Stanbic Uganda Cup final brings together two of Uganda’s football powerhouses—Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) FC and Vipers SC—at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, on Saturday, May 31. The match, set to kick off at 6:00 PM under the stadium lights, is more than just a contest for silverware; it is a battle for pride, legacy, and a coveted spot in continental football.
Road to the Final
Both clubs have navigated a challenging path to this year’s final. Vipers SC secured their place with a hard-fought 2-0 aggregate victory over defending champions Kitara FC, thanks to decisive goals from Abdul-Karim Watambala and Yunus Sentamu. Their disciplined performances in both legs showcased their defensive solidity and attacking flair.
KCCA, meanwhile, dominated their semifinal against Kataka FC, carrying a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg and sealing their passage with a professional display in Mbale. The Kasasiro Boys, as KCCA are affectionately known, have not lifted a major trophy since 2019, making this final a golden opportunity to end their drought and reassert their status among Uganda’s elite.
What’s at Stake
The Uganda Cup is the second most prestigious football competition in the country, after the league, and the winner earns the right to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup. For KCCA, victory would mark their 11th Uganda Cup triumph, reinforcing their record as one of the tournament’s most successful clubs. For Vipers, a win would secure a domestic double, having already clinched the Uganda Premier League title this season.
Should Vipers, who have already qualified for continental football via the league, win the Cup, the Confederation Cup slot could pass to the league’s second-placed team, adding another layer of intrigue to the final’s outcome.
Team News and Key Players
KCCA enter the final with a clean bill of health. Interim coach Jackson Magera, part of the backroom staff during the club’s last title-winning campaign, has confirmed that all previously injured players are available for selection, including Etienne Katenga, Derrick Nsibambi, and Mustafa Mujjuzi. Captain Julius Poloto has emphasized the team’s mental and physical readiness, underscoring the hunger to end their trophy drought.
Vipers, led by coach Fred Muhumuza, are equally focused. The team has managed fatigue well after a busy campaign, and captain Milton Karisa has spoken passionately about the squad’s determination to “die for the badge” and deliver another trophy for their supporters. With players like Watambala and Sentamu in form, Vipers will be confident of their chances.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
The rivalry between KCCA and Vipers is one of the fiercest in Ugandan football. In their last 30 meetings across all competitions, Vipers hold a slight edge with 13 wins to KCCA’s 9, while 8 matches have ended in draws. Both teams have shown attacking prowess and defensive discipline throughout the season, setting the stage for a closely contested final.
The Bigger Picture
The Uganda Cup is renowned for its ability to unite communities and provide a platform for both established clubs and grassroots teams to shine. This year’s final, sponsored by Stanbic Bank Uganda, is expected to draw passionate supporters from across the country, highlighting football’s enduring power to inspire and connect.
Prediction and Expectations
With both teams boasting strong squads, tactical acumen, and a burning desire for glory, the 2025 Stanbic Uganda Cup final promises to be a classic. For KCCA, it is a chance to end years of frustration; for Vipers, an opportunity to cement their dominance with a domestic double. Regardless of the outcome, fans can expect a showcase of Ugandan football at its very best—a fitting finale to a historic tournament.