menu close

Suggestions

Big League: Blacks Power... Ssenyondo pleased with Uganda... Uganda Cubs fall to... Baby Cricket Cranes suffer... Mbarara City hold BUL...

Top athletes

Travis Mutyaba

Riticia Nabbosa

Najib Fesali

Daisy Nakaziro

Sandra Nabweteme

Phiona Nabbumba

Ivan Ahimbisibwe

Sumaya Komuntale

Milton Karisa

Shamirah Nalugya

Fauzia Najjemba

Top stories

Big League: Blacks Power edge Kataka in Mbale
Ssenyondo pleased with Uganda Cubs second half performance in defeat to Morocco
Uganda Cubs fall to Morocco in AFCON U-17

The University Football League (UFL) held its awards ceremony at Kati Kati Restaurant, Lugogo, to celebrate the outstanding athletes and officials of the 2023-24 season.

The star of the night was UCU Cardinals’ captain Geoffrey Gagganga, who bagged two individual awards.

The skipper was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season, best midfielder and was also included in the UFL team of the season.

Despite the Cardinals’ 3-1 loss to Nkumba University in the finals, Gaganga emerged victorious in the MVP race, edging out Nkumba’s skipper Kennedy Sewankambo and Micheal Abura of St. Lawrence University.

Gagganga expressed his excitement about the awards, acknowledging the hard work and dedication behind them.

“Winning these awards means I’ve been working hard and achieving positive results on the field. It might not necessarily mean I’m better than other players, but it shows my extra efforts during games,” he said.

“While it’s exciting to win, these awards also come with the responsibility to work even harder. My main goal now is to play in the Uganda Premier League,” he added.

Award Winners

Best Eleven

Nkumba University secured a 3-1 victory against 10-man Uganda Christian University (UCU) in the University Football League final at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Saturday.

Nkumba finally wrote their names in the books of history after lifting their first league title on the third attempt after losing the final in 2013 and 2016.

Kennedy Ssebadduka gave Nkumba an early lead in the 10th minute thanks to Ivan Mutebi’s howler hence giving the Entebbe bassed side a perfect start.

Ten minutes later, UCU were reduced to 10 men after Collins Wesoga was given a straight red card after handling Ivan Irivai’s effort from outside the box.

UCU introduced second custodian David Mwidu for Mutebi but in no minute, Ismael Lubega doubled Nkumba’s lead with a well-guided free kick.

Isaac Musuga scored Nkumba’s third goal adding more salt into UCU’s wounds in the 35th minute.

In the second stanza, Sharif Ssewanyana pulled one back for UCU but it was not enough to have an impact on the game.

Uganda Martyrs’ Akbar Ssentogo finished the tournament as the top scorer with nine goals.

University Football League | Fixture

Uganda Christian University (UCU) will be out to fight for a second University Football League title as they take on Nkumba University at MTN Onondi Stadium, Lugogo on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

In the pre-match conference, UCU head coach Kintu revealed that it will not be an easy game but they expect to put up the required fight.

“It will not be an easy game against Nkumba (University),” he stated before adding; “However we have prepared well and are ready to put up a great fight.”

“We would like to thank God who has allowed us to reach our second final after winning that of 2019. It’s been a long journey for us to reach the final.”

“We have an opportunity to go on and fight so that we can try to win the trophy for the second time. We want to assure everyone that we shall play a good game, the fans should expect an entertaining game from two ambitious teams,” he concluded.

Road to the finals

The Cardinals have staged an impressive run on the road to the final. They dominated the group with three wins, two draws and one loss.

In the quarterfinals, they fought hard to eject rivals Makerere University 2-2 thanks to the away goal difference advantage.

Cardinals went on to eliminate Makerere University Business School after a 2-1 victory on aggregate.

University Football League – Results

Nkumba University edged Kampala University in a two-legged University Football League semi-finals to seal a spot in the final.

Nkumba will then take on Uganda Christian University (UCU) in the final of the ongoing tournament that will be climaxing this month.

The development was sealed after a one-all draw at the Nkumba University playground on Tuesday afternoon.

Joshua Odeke fired the two-time champions ahead with a classic finish in the 35th minute during the first stanza of the game.

It was a tense environment as the centre referee sent the two sides into the locker rooms with Kampala University in the driving seat.

Ishaque Balyawo levelled matters with a powerful header off Ismael Lubega’s well-weighed free kick three minutes into the second stanza.

The visitors did everything they could to try and reclaim the lead in the game but Nkumba’s backline stood firm and tall.

In the first leg, Nkumba secured a 1-0 victory thus walking into the final for the first time since 2016.

In 2016, they lost to today’s opponent 3-2 as the latter was clinching the second UFL title.

The final between Nkumba and UCU will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

University Football League | Results

Isaac Ofoyirwoth’s first-half strike helped Uganda Christian University (UCU) secure a 1-0 victory against Makerere University Business School (MUBS) on Thursday evening.

UCU Cardinals will be looking for the second UFL trophy after beating St Lawrence in 2019 at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

The hosts nearly took the lead through Harry Abiti but Thomas Lasu made a timely clearance to keep the visitors in the game.

The lanky forward Abiti once again came close with a low powerful drive but MUBS goalkeeper Innocent Ayebare punched the ball away.

Isaac Ofoyirwoth fired the hosts ahead in the 35th minute with a venomous volley connecting with Abiti’s delivery from the right flank.

Talibu Yokole nearly levelled matters with five minutes to play in the first stanza but he nodded the ball inches wide.

In the second half, MUBS were the better side on the day but failed to convert one of the many chances created.

Sudhir Bin Saidi and Talibu Yokole came close to levelling matters but failed to find the target.

In the final, the Cardinals will either play Nkumba University or Kampala University.

How they lined up

UCU Cardinals XI: Collins Wesonga (GK), Marvin Wambuga, Sharif Ssewanyana, Godfrey Arijole, Patrick Ogola, Ivan Mutebi, Allan Opio, Peter Kyomuhendo, Geoffrey Gaganga, Harry Abiti, Isaac Ofoyrw

MUBS XI: Innocent Ayebale (GK), Thomas Lasu, Innocent Zziwa, Deus Turyamuhika, James Wogute, Derrick Otuke, Talibu Yokole, Benjamin Nazar, Ezra Kanduho, Sudhir Bin Saidi, Justine Odong

Nkumba University secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Kampala University (KU) in a University Football League ecounter that was played at Prison Grounds, Luzira on Tuesday.

Benjamin Nsubuga guided the ball into his net after a clumsy back pass eventually placing Nkumba University in the driving seat in the 12th minute.

Without any pressure, Nsubuga guided the ball past his custodian into the net and it was a disastrous moment for the hosts.

From the moment going forward, the hosts took full charge of the game but were very wasteful in front of the goal.

Six minutes into the second stanza, Nkumba University’s custodian pulled off a stunning save denying the hosts a leveller.

In the 59th minute of the game, Kampala University were awarded a penalty but Tonny Ndase failed to place the ball on target.

The hosts kept knocking on the door in the final minutes of the game but failed to put the ball past the goal line.

Nkumba will go home with an advantage knowing that they only have to guard themselves against a loss in the second leg to seal a ticket to the final.

After the final whistle, Nkumba head coach Suleiman Bbossa cautioned the boys that the game is not yet done and they will still have to work hard in the second leg.

“We have the advantage now although I think the game is not yet over. The margin is so narrow and we should not think that we are safe,” he noted.

“We made many mistakes and were so lucky not to concede today. We also gave away a lot of cautions that might come to haunt us going forward,” he added.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Cardinals fought from a goal down to hold Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in the first leg of the ongoing University Football League semi-finals in Nakawa on Thursday.

It was an electric start as Sudhir Bin Saidi opened the scoring with a low powerful effort past Collins Wesonga into the back of the net in the first minute.

In the 10th minute, UCU nearly found a leveller as Innocent Zziwa nearly scored in his net after he fully stretched to connect with Peter Kyomuhendo’s delivery.

At half an hour mark, Allan Opio failed to bury a cut-clear chance after he was set up by Isaac Ofoyrwoth in front of goal.

With five minutes left in the first stanza, Kyomuhendo’s freekick gave MUBS trouble before Talibu Yokole made a swift clearance from the area.

Six minutes into the second stanza, MUBS came close through Yokole’s curling freekick but Gaganga was in the right place to make a timely clearance.

In the 58th minute, Derrick Tenywa failed to guide the ball into the empty net as the ball got locked in his feet before Marvin Ategeka cleared his lines.

Four minutes later, Gaganga levelled matters with a powerful effort as MUBS custodian Innocent Ayebale remained frozen in his cylinder.

Centre referee Henry Musisi denied UCU a clear penalty after Harry Abitti was tripped in the dangerous area with 10 minutes to play.

The visitors had several chances in the dying minutes to kill the game but were very wasteful leaving the second leg open for either side.

The two sides will meet on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Mukono for the second leg.

How they lined up

MUBS XI: Innocent Ayebale (GK), Thomas Lasu, Innocent Zziwa, Marvin Ategeka, James Junior Wogute, Talibu Yokole, Sudhir Bin Saidi, Moses Kasinga, Stuart Magumba, Justine Odong, Derrick Otuke

UCU XI: Wesonga Collins (XI), Karim Busobozi, Patrick Ogola, Sharif Ssewanyana, Godfrey Arijole, Solomon Maiso, Isaac Ofoyrwoth, Peter Kyomuhendo, Harry Abiti, Allan Opio, Godfrey Gaganga

University Football League – Semifinals fixture  

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Cardinals are set to lock horns with Makerere University Business School in the semifinals of the ongoing 2023-24 University Football League campaign.

The two teams met in the last seasons in the classification game and UCU came out victorious taking home bronze while MUBS finished fourth.

The development has been confirmed during the ceremony where the semi-final draws were held today Friday, March 15, 2023.

Shortly after the draws, UCU Cardinals captain Geoffrey Gaganga revealed that MUBS would be a great challenge however their target remains taking the trophy.

“I am glad that we made it to the semifinals of the league. I thank everyone who has been part of our journey. Having confirmed that we shall play MUBS in the next game, I expect a good game,” he said.

“I do not know much about MUBS but I am sure if a team comes this far then they are a good team. We have been preparing to play any side and so we are ready for the challenge ahead,” he added.

“Our target remains the same since the first day. We want to win the trophy and we shall keep fighting to see that we achieve that. However, winning requires a lot and we shall keep trying to do the right things.”

To reach this stage, the Cardinals eliminated Makarere University Enzymes after turning around a 2-1 first-leg defeat facing MUBS setting up yet another exciting game.

On the other hand, MUBS captain Derrick Otuke revealed that his teammates are ready and they will have to do all it takes to upset a good time such as UCU.

“My camp is ready. For one to reach this level you cannot fear any team but rather respect one another. UCU is a good side and it will not be easy but we shall do all it takes to win. We shall come out to compete and the best team will win,” he stated.

The game between the two sides will take place on Tuesday, March 19 at Nakawa before St Lawrence University hosts Nkumba University later on Thursday.

St Lawrence completed the semifinal puzzle after eliminating Kampala University in the ongoing University Football League at Crown Campus on Tuesday evening.

The second leg ended in a goalless stalemate but St Lawrence registered a 5-2 victory in the earlier duel that was played at the Prison Grounds, Luzira.

However, credit should be given to Kampala University for the fight put up as they are the first side to pick a draw from that ground in the ongoing campaign.

Shafic Nyanzi came so close in the 34th minute but the header was planted wide of the frame as the visitors kept surviving.

With six minutes to play, Michel Abura witnessed his well-curled freekick bounce off the cross-bar as the hosts kept knocking on the door.

Each time Innocent Matege got on the ball, it was dangerous and a real havoc for Kampala University’s backline who had a tough job keeping the quick-footed forward at bay.

In the second half, the hosts improved their game as they switched the tempo a bit higher but Kampala University’s backline stood tall and firm.

In the final minutes of the game, each side had a chance to take the lead and seal the game but none could place the ball into the back of the net.

St Lawrence now joins Uganda Christian University (UCU), Makerere University Business School (MUBS), and Nkumba University.

The semifinals will kick off on Tuesday, March 10 before it concludes on Thursday, March 28.

Nkumba University sealed a spot in the semifinals of the ongoing 2023-24 University Football League (UFL).

Nkumba secured a hard fought 1-0 victory against holders Uganda Martyrs in the UFL encounter played on Thursday in front of a huge crowd.

Isaac Musuga’s late strike in added time was the difference as the Entebbe based side came out of the tight duel victorious.

The game kicked off with high intensity as Alex Kibirige and Francis Ogwang were booked in the seventh minute for their rough play.

At the end of the 45 minute, the affair was square without any side seeing the back of the net.

However, the last 15 minutes were awesome as both sides searched for that goal to seal their advantage.

In added time, Musuga raised highest in a forest of bodies to powerfully nod the ball into the back of the net.

The visiting fans flooded the pitch and it required the intervention of security to clear the playing ground for the game to be concluded in peace.

Nkumba University head coach Sulaiman credited his troops for sticking to the game plan.

“I congratulate the boys for the good performance. We managed the game so well and I appreciate them for sticking to the game plan,” he started.

“In such games that are decisive, game management is key. So we hardly wanted to concede goals in the first half which helped our opponents relax. We picked an advantage on the set piece and we scored a goal,” he added.

“The boys are now motivated and now we plan to attack the semifinals with a lot of positivity and hard work. We want to challenge our next opponent so that we get to the finals.”

Nkumba joins MUBS and UCU who already made it to the last four.

The last quarterfinals duel will see St Lawrence host Kampala University next week on Tuesday.