Entebbe UPPC Face Vipers Test with Key Players Sidelined

Entebbe UPPC will begin their 2026/27 StarTimes Premier League campaign against defending champions Vipers SC with a depleted squad, as injuries have ruled out six key first-team players for Friday’s demanding opener at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The Printers enjoyed an impressive return to the top flight last season, finishing fifth under head coach Abdallah Mubiru. However, their preparations for the new campaign have been disrupted by injuries, leaving the technical team with a difficult selection puzzle ahead of a challenging trip to face the reigning champions.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, coach Livingstone Mbabazi confirmed that Grant Matsiko, Ahmed Amayo, Isa Bugembe, Julius Poloto, Ambrose Kigozi and Anwar Ntege will all miss the encounter. Their absence leaves significant gaps in both defence and attack, particularly given the influence Poloto and Ntege have had within the team.

Despite the lengthy injury list, Mbabazi remains confident in the players available to him and believes the situation can provide an opportunity for others to demonstrate their capabilities. Rather than allowing the absences to affect the team’s confidence, the coach expects those coming into the side to embrace the responsibility.

“We have prepared well. However, we suffered a few injuries keeping important players out of the frame. But we have able replacements, and we shall give them a chance.”

Mbabazi said.

The coach’s comments underline the importance of squad depth as Entebbe UPPC embark on another Premier League campaign. With several established players unavailable, fringe players and new arrivals will have an opportunity to earn the trust of the technical team and potentially establish themselves as regular members of the starting lineup.

Among the players expected to carry greater responsibility are new signings Ibrahim Mugulusi, Kokolo and Sharif Ssengendo. Their ability to adapt quickly and contribute from the opening match could prove important as the Printers look to cope with the absence of several experienced players.

The challenge does not get any easier for Entebbe UPPC, who must begin their campaign against a Vipers side coming off a 3-1 Super Cup victory over Kitara. The Venoms also possess a strong home record and will enter the contest as favourites, making Friday’s fixture an early test of the Printers’ ability to compete against the league’s leading sides.

Mbabazi, however, views the difficult opening assignment as an opportunity rather than a setback. Facing the defending champions immediately gives Entebbe UPPC a clear indication of the areas in which they have improved and the aspects of their game that still require attention following their encouraging fifth-place finish last season.

“The game against Vipers gives us a good challenge and we shall pick up all necessary lessons. We are going to play against the champions, but we want to improve ourselves compared to last season’s performances,”

Mbabazi added.

Entebbe UPPC will therefore approach the fixture with a mixture of caution and ambition. While the injury situation has reduced their options, the available players have an opportunity to make a strong statement and show that the team possesses enough depth to compete despite the setbacks.

The Printers will also draw confidence from the progress made during their return to the Premier League last season. Finishing fifth demonstrated that the club can compete with established top-flight opponents, and the new campaign presents another opportunity to build on that foundation and challenge for an even higher position.

Friday’s encounter will consequently be about more than simply securing the opening three points. For Mbabazi and his players, it will be an early examination of their squad depth, tactical organisation and ability to respond to adversity, while a positive performance against the champions could provide a significant boost for the matches ahead.

With several first-team players watching from the sidelines, Entebbe UPPC must find solutions from within their available squad. The stage is set at Kitende for the Printers to test their progress against the champions, and for the players handed an opportunity to prove that they can rise to the occasion when their team needs them most.