Unlike the previous campaign which was decided on the final day at both ends, the 2024/25 season decisions came a little early.
Vipers won the title on the penultimate matchday while the relegation battle was decided with two more rounds to play, as Wakiso Giants joined Mbale Heroes and neighbours Soltilo Bright Stars amongst relegated sides.
Goalkeeper
Crispus Kusiima [Kitara]: Despite Kitara having an average season, Kusiima has stood out. The goalkeeper retains his spot in my team after also being no.1 on my 2023/24 team. Unlike last season, this season he also won the ‘Golden Glove’ for the most clean sheets in the campaign. Meanwhile, only champions Vipers (15) and BUL (19) have conceded less goals than Kitara (20).
Defenders
Lazaro Bwambale [Kitara]: In a season where not many right backs stand out, Lazaro did better than the others in the position with his consistency. One of the first names on the sheet for Wasswa Bbosa and dislodged team captain Maxwell Owachigiu. Defensively astute and flexible going forward.
James Mubeezi [KCCA]: Arguably the brightest and most consistent performer in a lackluster season for KCCA. Mubeezi has been electric going forward linking play with attack and had an improved cross as well. Enock Luyima and Hakim Wandera could count themselves unlucky to miss out as they missed more games while Mubeezi has been a permanent fixture for the Kasasiro.
Hilary Mukundane [Vipers SC]: The centre back divides opinions give his kind of style but without doubt, Mukundane has been a colossus at the heart of defence for the champions. Mukundane’s aerial dominance has been a huge reason why Vipers have the best defence and he also popped up with important goals including the opener in the 3-1 win over NEC at Kitende.
Jacob Okao [NEC]: With apologies to Walter Ochora (BUL) & Lubangakene (Villa), Okao gets the nod.
The young centre back signed from Maroons last year is elite dual threat, with or without the ball.
Since dislodging Ibrahim Kiyemba, Okao has been consistent with his performance and also got a centre forward’s goal in the win over Mbarara City at Kakyeeka that kept his side in the title hunt till match round 29.
Midfielders
Pascal Ngobi [BUL]: He rarely gets the plaudits he deserves but Ngobi has enjoyed a stellar season and provides the much-needed balance in midfield for BUL. Ngobi has shone with mobility, silk and from his deep position picked a pass and often got on the score sheet with some classic strikes.
Karim Watambala [Vipers SC]: The engine room for the Vipers who has blossomed especially under the guidance of John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda. His ability to carry the ball forward, chase back when team is out of position and a ferocious shot when given space have all been on show for the midfielder who has earned a recall to the national team. To many, he is the most important at the club. Five assists to his name, more than any other teammate.
Enoch Ssebagala [NEC]: The heartbeat of the NEC team. The driving force in the centre back with his energy, game intelligence and an eye for a goal or pass. Ssebagala has eight goal contribution this season but he brings more than goals and assists to the team.
Forwards
Allan Okello [Vipers SC]: Glad to see Okello play with a smile again. The lad has been crucial in Vipers’ title charge picking right moments in the campaign to win matches even when not on top his game. So often, he made football look so easy and his combination with Watambala explains why the Venoms have been consistent. 19 goals and four assists mean he wins the golden boot.
Patrick Kakande Jonah [SC Villa]: Fitness has abandoned the diminutive talisman in recent weeks but 8 goals and 5 assists from midfield can’t go unnoticed. Kakande is arguably the most confident UPL player with the ball at his feet and even in a campaign the champions have faltered, Kakande has been instrumental.
Ivan Ahimbisibwe [URA]: A centre forward who can hold up play, involve teammates but also has the ability to get the desired goals. Despite missing a couple of games through injury, Ahimbisibwe has scored 16 goals and his class has earned him a national team call up.
The question now is whether he can make the jump from the Premier League to international football.
Honorable Mentions
Charles Lwanga [SC Villa], Paul Mucureezi [NEC], Samuel Ssenyonjo [Express], Frank Mugisa [UPDF] and Karim Ndugwa [BUL]
Head Coach
John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda & Fred Muhumuza [Vipers]: Hussein Mbalangu has done a lot at NEC, making the side competitive until the second last round of the Premier League but the co-coaching duo of Luyinda and Muhumuza can’t be overlooked.
Following a false start under Nikola Kavazovic, the duo got the best out of every Vipers squad member and also instilled a win-at-all-cost attitude.