Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC will use the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup as an opportunity to assess their squad ahead of the domestic and continental competitions awaiting them this season.

Nicknamed The Venoms, Vipers are the third-most successful club in Uganda's top flight with eight league titles, including the 2025/26 championship. After lifting the league crown, the club now faces a demanding schedule that begins with the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali before shifting focus to the 2026 FUFA Super Cup and the CAF Champions League.

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Head coach Denis Lavagne named a 24-man squad for the regional tournament, featuring four new recruits including Ugandan veteran midfielder Farouk Miya, who returns to the club after a decade playing in Europe, Congolese striker César Manzoki, Gabonese goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba, and midfielder Joel Sserunjogi.

Speaking ahead of Friday&039;s Group A opener against Djibouti's FC Garde Républicaine, Lavagne described the CECAFA Kagame Cup as an important test for his squad as they continue preparations for the new campaign.

"The CECAFA Kagame Cup is a good test for us. We must do our best to win every game we play, but our main objective is August 23," Lavagne said, referring to the 2026 FUFA Super Cup.

Vipers captain Milton Karisa echoed his coach's sentiments, saying the tournament offers the perfect platform for the squad to build chemistry before the start of the competitive season.

He believes integrating the club's new signings early will strengthen the team as they prepare to defend their domestic title and represent Uganda in the CAF Champions League.

"Having these new players is a big positive for us because we get the chance to play together early. Their experience will help the team a lot, and we want to return home with good results," Karisa said.

Vipers last featured in the CECAFA Kagame Cup in 2018, when they reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Kenya's Gor Mahia.