Today, May 31, 2025, at 6:00 PM, Kadiba Stadium will host a thrilling finale in Ugandan football as KCCA FC and Vipers SC clash in the 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup final. These two teams, coming off sharply contrasting seasons, will compete not only for silverware but also for pride, redemption, and the chance for continental glory.
For KCCA FC, this final represents a last opportunity to salvage a challenging campaign. Once the undisputed giants of Ugandan football, KCCA have struggled with inconsistency throughout the season. A victory today would not only extend their record with an 11th Uganda Cup title but also secure their place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, a vital lifeline for a team eager to reclaim its former glory.
“This is our moment,” said KCCA captain Julius Poloto, forever remembered for scoring the winning goal against Vipers in the 2018 final. “We know what is at stake. This is not just a game, it is our chance to give back to our fans and our club. It is our comeback.”
Adding a personal dimension to the final is Poloto’s rivalry with Allan Okello, his childhood friend and former teammate who assisted that decisive 2018 goal and now shines as Vipers’ star player.
“It is special to face Allan again. We are ready for this battle,” Poloto said confidently.
Under interim coach Jackson Magera, KCCA have regained belief and energy.
“We are not here merely to take part,” Magera declared. “We have put in relentless effort, and we are confident this cup is ours to claim.”
This matchup carries a rich history. The two clubs have met in three Uganda Cup finals over the past decade. Vipers hold the advantage with two victories including a narrow 1-0 win in 2018 while KCCA won in 2017. Though KCCA’s 11 Uganda Cup titles remain unmatched, Vipers’ recent rise signals a shifting balance of power in Ugandan football.
Vipers arrive as league champions and clear favorites, aiming to complete a rare domestic double. Despite the absence of key defender Hillary Mukundane due to injury, their squad depth and tactical maturity remain strong. Allan Okello continues to be their creative heartbeat, while veteran striker Geoffrey Sserunkuma adds crucial experience up front.
KCCA will rely on Poloto’s leadership and the emergence of midfielder Nicholas Kasozi, whose late-season form has strengthened the team. Goalkeeper James Aliker’s shot-stopping skills could prove vital against Vipers’ potent attack.
Tactically, KCCA are expected to press high under Magera’s guidance, aiming to disrupt Vipers’ possession-based game. Meanwhile, Vipers, coached by Fred Muhumuza and Mike Mutebi, will likely seek to control the midfield and exploit quick counter-attacks.
“It is the last game of the season, and we want to finish with another trophy,” Muhumuza said. “We are managing fatigue, but the players are motivated. This is history in the making.”
Beyond the trophy itself, the stakes include continental qualification. A KCCA victory would block league runners-up NEC FC from CAF competition, while a Vipers win would solidify their dominance in Ugandan football.
“This final is more than just a match. It is a statement about who rules Ugandan football,” said football analyst ad journalist Patrick Kanyomozi. “Fans should expect passion, tactical battles, and drama.”
At Kadiba Stadium, resilience will meet legacy. For KCCA, it is a chance to rewrite a difficult season with triumph. For Vipers, it’s an opportunity to cement their status as Uganda’s football elite.
One team will walk away with glory; the other will face heartbreak, all within 90 unforgettable minutes.
