The first round of the 2022/23 Uganda Premier League is in the final bend and it is tight at the top on the 15-team log, an indication of how good or poor certain teams have been so far.

With two match days to go until the first round concludes, all the top five teams have already reached the 20-point mark, leaving the title race open.

It is the usual suspects KCCA FC and Vipers SC that occupy the top two positions and many think that either of the two will win the league.

As the latter won the crown last season, the former finished second, and after both teams have played 12 games this campaign, it is KCCA that is placed first with 26 points compared to Vipers’ 24 points in the second position.

However, Vipers who have a better goal difference are level on points with BUL FC and Wakiso Giants FC but the latter have played a game more.

Record holders SC Villa who seem rejuvenated round off the top five positions with 23 points yet they were docked two points for their fans’ hooliganism.

BUL who finished fourth last season and also won the Uganda Cup are not backing off and they are gradually turning into one of the top teams in Uganda.

Wakiso Giants ought to be the surprise package of the season reading from their level of performance so far.

During their first three seasons in the top flight, the Purple Sharks set the ground for maintaining their position in the league and now the ambition is to climb higher up the table.

The three teams that are occupying the mid table positions are also tightly close to one another and at the same time not far away from the top five.

Arua Hill SC, Modern Gaddafi FC, and Soltilo Bright Stars FC are positioned sixth, seventh and eighth with 19, 18, and 17 points respectively although Gaddafi have played a game more.

Since gaining promotion to the top division last season, Arua Hill have put up a strong performance and they are expected to continue being in and out of the top five positions.

Gaddafi and Bright Stars will need to find patterns as far as consistency is concerned if they to keep up with the pace.

Meanwhile, top sides Express FC and URA FC find themselves in a distant ninth and 11 positions with 15 and 14 points respectively with newly promoted Maroons FC in between them in 10th place after they have all played 12 games.

URA and Express have endured a tough first round but with the whole second round of the season still to come, it is too early to drag them into the relegation battle.

It is UPDF FC, newbies Black Power FC, Busoga United FC, and Onduparaka FC that are involved in the battle for survival at this point.

UPDF, Blacks Power, Busoga United, and Onduparaka are positioned 12th, 13th, 14th, and bottom with 10, nine, six, and three points respectively.

Unless otherwise, two of the above four teams will be playing in the Big League next season.