Kitara FC and Vipers SC cancelled each other out in a tense 0-0 draw during the first leg of their Stanbic Uganda Cup semifinal clash at Royals Park, Butema, on Sunday, in a match overshadowed by a major refereeing controversy.
The two sides, already familiar foes after recent league meetings, produced a fiercely contested encounter, but the defining moment arrived when Kitara captain Jasper Aheebwa inexplicably avoided a red card for a reckless, studs-up challenge on Vipers forward Milton Karisa.
Aheebwa’s lunge caught Karisa high on the leg, a dangerous infringement that clearly warranted dismissal, yet the referee only brandished a yellow card. Karisa, left in visible agony, was forced off and replaced by Marvin Joseph Youngman, while Aheebwa controversially stayed on to see out the full match.
On the pitch, Kitara showed early attacking intent, with Patrick Henry Kaddu testing Vipers goalkeeper Dennis Kiggundu from long range, only for the shot-stopper to produce a sharp fingertip save. Gaddafi Wahab also threatened midway through the first half, but Kiggundu remained alert to deny him.
Pictorial from the Royals Park today! pic.twitter.com/UHtQpMJltb
— Kitara Football Club (The Royals) (@KitarafcHoima) May 3, 2026
After the break, Vipers tightened their grip defensively, with Kiggundu again proving decisive as he pulled off two key saves to keep out Kabon Living and preserve parity for the Venoms.
With the tie delicately poised, attention now shifts to the return leg at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, where Vipers SC will be determined to capitalize on home advantage and finish the job in front of their fans.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, record nine-time winners SC Villa are set to face three-time champions URA FC under the floodlights at Nakivubo Stadium on Monday.
