Celebration and Honors at St. Mary’s stadium Kitende on Vipers day

By Emmanuel Sekago

It was a day of celebration and recognition at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende as Vipers SC hosted the inaugural Vipers Day on Saturday. The event honored former Vipers SC head coach Richard Makumbi and one of the club’s directors, Haruna Kyobe, for their significant contributions to the club’s history and success.

Richard Makumbi was celebrated for his pivotal role in guiding Vipers SC (then known as Bunamwaya) to the Uganda Premier League in 2006. Hired in 2005, Makumbi was instrumental in the club’s rise to top-flight football, leading them to win the Wakiso District First Division League and the Zonal Mini League. During the Vipers Day festivities, Makumbi was recognized and rewarded for his achievements and contributions to the club’s early success.

Haruna Kyobe, one of the longest-serving club administrators, was also honored with an Award of Dedication Service. Kyobe has served Vipers SC in various capacities, including as a player and secretary, before becoming a director and shareholder. His commitment to the club over the years has been invaluable, and the award was a fitting recognition of his dedication.

The celebrations also featured a friendly match where Vipers SC, the six-time Uganda Premier League champions, defeated Kenya Mozzart Bet Cup winners Police FC 2-0, with Kenneth Kimera and Augusto Mulongo scoring the goals. Earlier in the day, a match between Vipers fans and club legends ended in a 2-1 victory for the fans, with Yuda Mugalu scoring the consolation goal for the legends.

Awards of dedicated service and commitment were also presented to the club’s key partners and sponsors:

Hima Cement – the club’s main sponsor

Kansai Plascon Uganda Limited

St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende

DFCU Bank

Richard Makumbi – the coach who promoted Vipers to the Premier League (2000 to 2005)

Haruna Kyobe – longest-serving club administrator

Meanwhile, the Vipers SC Squad for the 2024/-2025 season was announced:

Goalkeepers; Jack Komakech, Derrick Kiggundu and Alfred Mudekereza

Defenders; Nicholas Wadada, Derrick Ndahiro, Paul Mbowa, Livingstone Mulondo, Hilary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Grant Matsiko and Enock Luyima

Midfielders; Issa Bugembe, Allan Okello, Siraje Sentamu, Frank Katongole, Moses Waiswa, Abubaker Lawal, Abubaker Walusimbi, Abdul Karim Watambala and Alex Ankunda

Forwards; Kenneth Kimera, Augusto Mulongo, Fumador Asiwome, Yunus Sentamu, Sakuya Pedro, Fazil Tumwine, Milton Karisa, Ekbad Saleem and Abdul Nsereko

Meanwhile, Vipers SC’s commitment to excellence and the celebration of its rich history were evident throughout the inaugural Vipers Day, setting the stage for another exciting season ahead.