By Michael Ainomugisha.
The draws for the 2024/25 Pepsi University Football League (UFL) have been announced, with Uganda Christian University (UCU) set to host the opening match on Tuesday, September 17th.
UCU will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, where they lost 3-1 to Nkumba University in the final at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo. Nkumba claimed their first-ever league title in a dominant performance, with goals from Kennedy Ssebadduka, Ismael Lubega, and Musuga Isaac. UCU struggled after goalkeeper John Collins Wesonga was red-carded in the 21st minute for handling the ball outside the box. Sharif Ssewanyana scored the lone goal for UCU in the second half.
The 2024/25 season will see six groups competing, with the top team from each group automatically qualifying for the quarterfinals. Two additional best-performing teams will join them to complete the eight quarterfinalists.
Group A:
1. Nkumba University
2. Busitema University
3. Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)
4. ISBAT University
Group B:
1. Makerere University
2. Kumi University
3. Ndejje University
4. Victoria University
Group C:
1. Uganda Christian University
2. Kabale University
3. St. Lawrence University
4. YMCA Comprehensive Institute
Group D:
1. Kampala University
2. Gulu University
3. Bugema University
4. Kampala International University
Group E:
1. Uganda Martyrs University (UMU)
2. Muni University
3. University of Kisubi (Unik)
4. International University of East Africa (IUEA)
Group F:
1. Makerere University Business School (MUBS)
2. Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)
3. Muteesa I Royal University