Jude Ssemugabi is poised to join Vipers SC after agreeing to a two-year deal with the reigning Uganda Premier League champions.
The 28-year-old forward, who has spent the last two seasons with Kitara FC, will officially sign with Vipers once his current contract expires on June 30.
Sources close to the club confirmed the deal was finalized following a series of negotiations held last week at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
Ssemugabi reportedly attended the talks alongside his agent, marking the conclusion of a transfer saga that began in January.
“Jude (Ssemugabi) will finally join Vipers after a failed attempt in January, as Kitara was demanding significant compensation for what remained of his contract at the time. “Finally, an agreement was reached and he will sign as soon as he is released from his commitments with Kitara at the end of June.”
Vipers, who are intensifying their preparations for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, see Ssemugabi as a key addition to their attacking line.
With ambitions to move beyond the group stage, the club is targeting high-impact players to bolster their continental campaign.
In the just-concluded season, Ssemugabi made 32 appearances across all competitions, registering 12 goals and six assists.
A dynamic winger capable of playing as a central striker, his influence has steadily grown, earning him widespread recognition.
During the previous league season, he tallied six goals and seven assists in 29 matches, underlining his consistency in the final third.
Ssemugabi’s move to Vipers comes after Kitara failed to meet the financial terms needed to extend his stay.
The failed January transfer was a result of compensation demands, but with his contract nearing its end, Vipers have seized the opportunity to secure his signature without incurring a fee.
On the international front, Ssemugabi debuted for the Uganda Cranes in 2023 and has since earned seven caps, contributing one goal and two assists.
His versatility and experience are expected to add depth to a Vipers squad determined to make a deeper run in Africa’s elite club competition.
With the deal nearly completed, all eyes will be on Ssemugabi as he prepares for a new chapter in his career — one that promises both domestic glory and continental challenges.
