Abdu Karim Watambala‘s outstanding performances throughout the campaign have earned him the highest individual honour in Ugandan football after he was named the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League Most Valuable Player.
The Vipers SC midfield maestro received the prestigious accolade during an awards ceremony held on Friday evening at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala, capping off a season in which he emerged as one of the league’s most influential figures.
Watambala triumphed over a competitive shortlist that featured SC Villa pair Frank Ssebufu and Raymond Barasa Mangoli, KCCA FC forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe, and Entebbe UPPC’s Ambrose Kigozi.
Most Valuable Player of the Season 2025/2026
AbdulKarim Watambala, Vipers SC#SUPLAwards2026 | @VipersSC pic.twitter.com/LWGFxYcoT0
— StarTimes Uganda Premier League (@UPL) May 29, 2026
The gifted playmaker was instrumental in Vipers’ successful march to the league championship, producing exceptional numbers from midfield. He finished the season with 12 goals and four assists, consistently delivering decisive performances as the Venoms reclaimed domestic supremacy.
His rise to prominence became even more evident following the departure of Allan Okello to Tanzanian giants Young Africans. Faced with the challenge of replacing one of the team’s creative leaders, Watambala embraced greater responsibility and flourished.
Vipers’ technical bench adjusted his role, moving him further forward from a traditional box-to-box midfield position into a more advanced attacking role. The tactical switch unlocked a new dimension in his game, allowing him to become a constant threat in the final third while significantly increasing his goal contributions.
Beyond securing the league’s top individual prize, Watambala was also rewarded with a place in the Uganda Premier League Team of the Season, underlining his consistency and impact across the entire campaign.
#Allahthegreat🙏Am not sure of where to start from but firstly I want to say thank you so much to Dr.Lawrence Mulindwa,my club #viperssc my fellow teammates,my family,my agent the fans of this beautiful game and all football structures through st.Mary’s kitende who believed in me pic.twitter.com/kB8sFyyAiI
— Abdul Karim Watambala #25 (@AKWatambala) May 30, 2026
His MVP triumph adds his name to an illustrious list of Vipers stars who have previously captured the award, including Milton Karisa, Ceasar Manzoki and Farouk Miya.
For Watambala, the recognition serves as fitting reward for a season defined by leadership, creativity, and match-winning displays, qualities that proved vital in Vipers’ journey to the league title.
