As Uganda’s top flight season concluded, Hima Cement-sponsored Vipers SC were crowned champions despite finishing with a 1-1 draw against Soltilo Bright Stars at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, having mathematically secured the Premier League title during the penultimate matchweek.

The match itself provided plenty of drama despite its dead rubber status. Already-relegated Bright Stars shocked the home crowd when John Kokas Alou gave them a 62nd-minute lead, expertly chipping young goalkeeper Jack Komakech after receiving a perfect through ball from Nelson Senkatuka. However, Vipers responded just six minutes later through a controversial penalty converted by captain Allan Okello. The spot kick was awarded for an apparent handball by Andrew Kyambadde, though television replays suggested the ball had struck his face rather than his arm.

Okello’s equalizer marked his 19th goal of the campaign, securing him the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer. Remarkably, eight of those goals came from penalty kicks, demonstrating both his composure from the spot and Vipers’ ability to win crucial fouls in dangerous areas throughout the season.

The championship represents another milestone in Vipers’ growing dominance of Ugandan football, achieved through a combination of shrewd recruitment, tactical flexibility, and crucially, strong corporate backing. As the club’s headline sponsor, Hima Cement has played a pivotal role in this success, providing the financial stability and brand prestige that has helped Vipers establish themselves as the country’s premier football institution.

Joan Kitawona, Hima Cement’s Brand Manager, expressed her delight at the team’s triumph. “We are thrilled by Vipers’ victory,” she said. “It has been a journey from the start, and as Hima Cement, we are proud to be part of the 2024/25 champions.” Kitawona went on to explain the strategic thinking behind the sponsorship, highlighting the alignment between the two organizations’ values and ambitions.

“We chose to sponsor Vipers because we share a dream—’One Team, One Dream.’ Like us, they always aim for the top. Their ambition aligns perfectly with our brand values,” she noted. “They’ve given us great visibility in the football and sports space, and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”

For Soltilo Bright Stars, the draw confirmed their relegation after 12 consecutive seasons in the top flight. Their 20-point tally proved insufficient to avoid the drop, and they will compete in the FUFA Big League next season. While disappointing, their long stay in the Premier League serves as testament to the competitive nature of Ugandan football, where even established clubs can suffer sudden declines.

Elsewhere on the final matchday, several other results caught the eye. NEC FC secured a 1-0 victory over URA FC, while Maroons comfortably dispatched Mbarara City 2-0. The most emphatic result came at Mbale Heroes, who suffered a humiliating 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Kitara. Express FC’s disappointing season continued with a 3-0 loss to KCCA, who will face Vipers in the upcoming Uganda Cup final.

That cup final presents Vipers with an opportunity to complete a domestic double and further cement their status as Uganda’s preeminent football force. Their league success this season has been built on consistent performances across the pitch, with contributions coming from throughout the squad. Young goalkeeper Jack Komakech has emerged as one of the finds of the season, while the experience of players like Moses Waiswa and Karim Watambala has provided crucial leadership.

The partnership between Vipers and Hima Cement continues to bear fruit for both parties. For the club, the sponsorship provides vital financial support and corporate credibility. For Hima Cement, the association with a successful, ambitious football club offers valuable brand exposure and marketing opportunities. As Uganda’s football landscape grows increasingly competitive, such strategic partnerships between corporate entities and sports organizations will likely become even more important.

Looking ahead, Vipers will aim to build on this success both domestically and potentially in continental competitions. The challenge will be to maintain their high standards while potentially strengthening the squad to compete on multiple fronts. For Hima Cement, the championship represents a return on their investment and validation of their decision to align with Ugandan football’s most successful modern franchise.

As the celebrations continue in Kitende, the broader story is one of how strategic corporate sponsorship, when combined with strong sporting management and ambitious vision, can create sustained success in Ugandan football. Vipers’ triumph is as much a victory for their players and coaches as it is for their corporate partners who have believed in and supported their journey.

The 2024/25 season may be over, but the work continues for both club and sponsor. With the Uganda Cup final looming and another league title defense on the horizon, this partnership between Vipers SC and Hima Cement appears set to yield more success stories in the seasons to come. For now, the champions can bask in the glory of another hard-earned title, secure in the knowledge that their cement-sponsored foundation is as strong as ever.