Title-chasing Vipers SC were left seething after contentious refereeing calls dominated discussion following their barren draw with Police FC in the Uganda Premier League on Tuesday evening at Police Arena along Kira Road.
Having dropped points in their previous outing against URA FC, the Venoms arrived desperate for a response, but the match quickly descended into frustration as two major decisions from the officiating crew sparked outrage from the visitors.
📸 | The Venoms arrival earlier on at the Kira Road Police Arena, Kamwokya 😍
🔜 #POLVIP#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/Ihvb58F8kO
— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) May 12, 2026
The biggest flashpoint came midway through the second half when Enock Ssebagala appeared to have handed Vipers the breakthrough. His finish sent the away bench into celebration, only for assistant referee Ashraf Kateregga to rule the goal out for offside.
The decision stunned Vipers players and officials alike, with Taddeo Lwanga deemed to have influenced play despite failing to touch the ball during the move. Furious protests followed as the visitors questioned the interpretation of the incident.
Moments later, tempers flared again after Police defender Deus Bukenya was adjudged to have handled the ball during a dangerous situation inside the area. Vipers immediately appealed for a penalty, convinced they had been denied a clear spot-kick.
However, center referee John Baptist Tumuhaise instead pointed for a free-kick just outside the box, a verdict that further intensified the visitors’ anger and left their technical bench visibly incensed.
Amid the controversy, Vipers still created several promising openings. Glodi Beyuku rattled the woodwork shortly after the restart, while Karim Watambala also threatened as the league leaders pushed relentlessly for a winner.
It ends honours even. ⏱#POLVIP || #VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/tgl5C5j8dX
— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) May 12, 2026
At the other end, Police goalkeeper Sammon Oloka delivered a composed performance, producing crucial saves to ensure the hosts emerged with a point.
The draw means Vipers remain at the summit of the league standings on 61 points, while Police hold a seventh place with 45 points after 28 matches.
