Vipers SC Touch Down in Kigali Ready to Fight for CECAFA Kagame Cup Glory

Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have officially departed for Kigali, Rwanda, where they will compete in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup. The team left in the early hours of Wednesday morning with a 24-man squad selected by head coach Denis Lavagne as preparations for the regional tournament gather momentum. 

The tournament will provide Lavagne with his first major competitive assignment since taking charge of the Venoms. The French tactician has blended experienced stars, exciting new signings and returning fan favourites as Vipers aim to challenge for regional honours while sharpening the squad ahead of the CAF Champions League and the new Uganda Premier League season. 

Among the biggest talking points is the return of Uganda international Farouk Miya, who rejoins the club after a decade in Europe. Striker Cesar Lobi Manzoki also returns to strengthen the attack, while new arrivals such as goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba and midfielder Joel Sserunjogi have been included in the travelling squad. 

Vipers have been drawn into a difficult Group A alongside hosts APR FC, Kenyan giants Gor Mahia and Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine, setting up several high-profile clashes in Kigali. 

With confidence high after securing the Uganda Premier League title, the Venoms will be hoping to make a strong statement in Rwanda as they target CECAFA Kagame Cup glory before turning their attention to continental football.