League leaders Vipers SC brace for a stern examination on Tuesday night when they welcome NEC to St. Maryโs Stadium, Kitende in a pivotal Uganda Premier League clash.
The reverse fixture at Lugogo ended in a 1-1 stalemate, but the dynamics have since shifted. NEC arrive in buoyant mood, their belief swelling after stretching their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions.
Their latest statement came in a commanding 3-1 triumph over traditional heavyweights KCCA, a result that underlined the growing steel within the Bugolobi camp.
While NECโs momentum is undeniable, Vipers have hardly faltered on the pitch this campaign. The Venoms remain unbeaten in open play, though their most recent outing ended in a frustrating draw against BUL.
Compounding matters, the administrative decision to dock them three points and award them to Kitara has trimmed their cushion at the summit to just two points, injecting fresh tension into the title race.
New week. New focus. โ๐ฟ
Back at home tomorrow under the lights ๐๏ธ
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ก๐ โช๏ธ https://t.co/8gGPO6yDVD#VIPNEC || #VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/BSOWSOCa3x
โ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ (@VipersSC) February 16, 2026
Adding intrigue to the contest is the presence of several familiar faces poised to line up against their former employers. Ibrahim Kiyemba, Richard Basangwa, Joseph Dhata, Paul Mucureezi and Siraje Sentamu are all in line to feature for NEC, raising the emotional stakes under the Kitende floodlights.
For the hosts, much of the creative burden will once again rest on Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa and Usama Arafat. The trio will be charged with breaching an NEC rearguard that has recorded four clean sheets in its last six league outings, a testament to the visitorsโ defensive discipline.
Key stat
In the previous five premier league meetings, Vipers have won two [L1, D2]
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐พ ๐๐๐ฃ๐จ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ !!! ๐ช๐ฟ
Hilary โBihogoโ Mukundane, a combative ball winning central defender by trade. He put in an outstanding display at the back. โ๐ฟ#VenomsUpdates || #OneTramOneDream || pic.twitter.com/wedID2seBw
โ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ (@VipersSC) February 13, 2026
Matchday 17 Fixtures
Tuesday February 17, 2026
Entebbe UPPC vs Mbarara City โ Fisheries Ground, Bugonga (4pm)
Buhimba United Saints vs Police โ Royal Park Butema (4pm)
Vipers SC vs NEC โ St. Maryโs Stadium, Kitende (8pm)
