By Victor Turinawe.
School of Social Sciences combined with the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (SJMC), has been crowned football champions of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Inter-Faculty Games (football) 2026 after edging the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology (FEDT) in a 2-0 victory.
The thrilling encounter, played this evening at UCU’s Main Football Pitch at the Mukono Campus, saw social scientists and journalists outshine engineers in a game determined by a tactical clash between the two coaches on the touchline.
FEDT head coach Jacob Shiisa’s team played high-pressing and attacking football in the first half and made four shots on target, all blocked by Social Sciences goalkeeper Naptal Odeke, who denied Joshua Aisu, Victor Ahebwa and Mourwel Anyaar, in addition to earlier efforts from Francis Ogenrwot to break the deadlock for the Engineers.
Social Sciences head coach Joseph Hans, who deployed a ball-control possession style in the first half of the game, later changed his system and tactical organisation from defence to attack. His team broke through in the second half and created two big chances, both of which were converted by his forwards to hand him a 2-0 victory.
Diego Mugambwa, from a hard-fought aerial ball, dodged past FEDT defenders and their goalkeeper to score into an empty net, before the tournament’s top scorer Simon Arike scored from a rebound following a punch by the goalkeeper.
Social Sciences combined with SJMC won the trophy with top scorer Simon Arike netting five goals in four games, followed by Diego Mugambwa with three goals from four games, while Martin Ruyonga finished as the top assists provider with six assists.
Top scorer Arike attributed the team’s good performance to hard work and determination throughout the tournament despite limited time to train together.
“I played four games. Generally, the team performed well because everyone was determined. Even though we were not training together regularly, the commitment from the players was very good. Everyone wanted to win.”
He also explained why his performance improved in the second half of the match.
“In the first half, I was playing in midfield as a number 10, but there was not enough support because the players behind were focused more on defending and were not moving forward. That affected my performance. In the second half, I moved upfront, which is my natural position. I play best as a striker or winger,” he explained.
Diego Mugambwa, who scored the opening goal, said breaking the deadlock was difficult, but motivation and confidence kept him going.
“Yes, it was a tough game; most aerial balls are my strength as a striker, so every opportunity that came my way, I treated seriously,” Diego said.
He added that being part of a team considered underdogs inspired him even more.
“What motivated me most was the fact that I was the only student from Journalism who joined a school team that many people underestimated. When you are seen as an underdog, the only thing that pushes you is teamwork. I always felt I needed to contribute something important to the team.”
Social Sciences head coach Joseph Hans acknowledged that his side struggled offensively in the first half, managing only one shot on target through Diogo. However, he explained that the game plan was intentionally designed to absorb pressure and frustrate the opponents.
“We knew coming into this game that they were superior to us, especially in terms of intensity and style of play,” Hans said. “Our first-half approach was mainly to contain them, avoid conceding, and allow them to tire themselves out. Our goalkeeper deserves a lot of credit because he kept us in the game.”
Hans also revealed that one of his key tactical decisions was leaving his number 10 on the bench during the opening stages of the match so he could exploit tired defenders later in the game.
“That was the whole game plan. Sometimes you need luck and God’s blessings, and thankfully it worked for us,” he added.
“I instructed my players to remain patient before striking on the counterattack in the second half.
“The instructions were simple; let them tire themselves out. Once they committed too much going forward in the second half, that’s when we would hit them. That is how we managed to get our first goal,” explained Coach Hans.
