Prime
Okello magic keeps Venoms in cruise control

Allan Okello is in sublime form. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
With 11 well-timed strikes to his name, Okello has not only punctuated Vipers’ season with decisive goals but also showcased an uncanny ability to seize every game by its horns and tilt it in the Venoms' favour.
John 'Ayala' Luyinda and his Vipers are firmly perched atop the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table with 31 points from 14 matches, a feat driven by the brilliance of playmaker Allan Okello.
With 11 well-timed strikes to his name, Okello has not only punctuated Vipers’ season with decisive goals but also showcased an uncanny ability to seize every game by its horns and tilt it in the Venoms' favour.
On Monday, at the St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, Vipers will welcome Muhammad Ssenfuma’s rejuvenated Maroons, hoping that Okello can weave his magic once again, just as he did in the narrow 1-0 victory over UPDF last Friday at Bombo Military Barracks.
Currently in an unplayable vein of form, Okello presents a monumental challenge for the visiting Prison Warders, who will need more than a defensive masterclass to keep him subdued.
Runaway duo
Before Hussein Mbalangu’s second-placed Nec trimmed the gap at the top to just one point with a laboured 1-0 victory over Mbarara City at Lugogo on Saturday, courtesy of Paul Mucureezi’s penalty, ten-man Vipers had already tightened their grip on the summit.
After Okello's 15th minute rebound goal, the Venoms had to show championship mettle by holding onto the win as left back Derrick Ndahiro was shown a straight red card for dangerous play with 13 minutes left on the clock.
Prison Warders roar
"We will try to give our best against Vipers, and we have a plan to limit Okello's damage,"Ssenfuma emphasized his side's determination to stand up to the Vipers challenge.

Paul Mucureezi kept Nec second. PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE
He added, "We also have playmakers Ivan Mayanja and Ivan Asaba who can hurt Vipers in the same way Okello does. I'm impressed by our recent good run of form and confident we can wrap up the first round by punching above our preseason expectations."
Currently placed fourth with 22 points from 14 matches, Maroons have more than pride to play for at Kitende.
An upset victory over Vipers would not only dent the Venoms’ momentum but also propel the Prison Warders above KCCA (24 points) into third place, further cementing their reputation as this season’s surprise package.
Eagles invade Barracks
Fifth-placed Express, also on 22 points, will look to extend their redemption arc when they visit Paul Kiwanuka’s UPDF at Bombo.
The Red Eagles are fresh off a morale-boosting victory over Soltilo Bright Stars on Friday at Nakivubo, a crucial win that helped to partially erase the bitter memories of their humiliating 7-0 defeat to Kitara.

Mbarara City coach Livingstone Mbabazi saw his team concede a late goal. PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE
Meanwhile, 11th-placed UPDF, with 17 points, will be eager to avoid a second consecutive home loss.
At Kavumba in Wakiso, Ian Mutenda’s bottom-placed Soltilo Bright Stars, languishing on nine points, will host fourth-from-bottom Lugazi in a critical clash as the relegation dogfight intensifies with the first round drawing to a close.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Monday fixtures
UPDF vs. Express, 4pm
Bright Stars vs. Lugazi
Vipers vs. Maroons, 7pm
Results
UPDF 0-1 Vipers
Lugazi 1-2 Bul
Nec 1-0 Mbarara City
SC Villa 1-0 URA