UFL: A look at how the previous champions won their titles as return approaches

UCU's Allan Opio(left) takes on a player from Nkumba University during their knock out tie last year| Nkumba Times

FOOTBALL UFL: A look at how the previous champions won their titles as return approaches

Ian Asabo 16:41 - 06.09.2023

The Pepsi University Football League is gearing up for its eleventh season, scheduled to kick off next week with a clash between defending champions Uganda Martyrs Nkozi and Bugema University.

This year, twenty-three teams will vie for supremacy in the league as ISBAT University joins the competition. It's worth noting that the tournament started with just six teams.

No university has established absolute dominance throughout the league's history, with six different institutions claiming the championship title.

MUBS, Kampala University, and Uganda Martyrs Nkozi share the lead with two titles.

Kampala University clinched their second national title in a thrilling 2016 final, defeating Nkumba University 3-2 after extra time.

Kampala University celebrate winning the 2016 University Football League final after defeating Nkumba University| New Vision

In 2017, Douglas Owori and Lauben Lubega were instrumental in Uganda Martyrs University's 2-0 victory over MUBS in the final.

Kyambogo University emerged victorious in the last final held at Namboole Stadium in 2018, prevailing over Kampala University 2-2 (3-2) in a penalty shootout.

Kyambogo University celebrate winning the 2018 University Football League final| New Vision

In 2019, Uganda Christian University secured their first-ever title with a 2-1 triumph over St. Lawrence University at the Phillip Omondi Stadium.

Derrick Were lifts the first title for Uganda Christian University in 2019 as they defeated St. Lawrence University in the final| Kawowo Sports

The 2020 and 2021 seasons were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the league resumed in 2022.

Uganda Martyrs University claimed their second consecutive title in November last year, defeating St. Lawrence University 1-0 at the Phillip Omondi Stadium.

Uganda Martyrs Nkozi celebrate winning their second title after defeating St. Lawrence University in the final| Kawowo Sports

With the constant turnover of university students, each year presents fresh opportunities for different universities to vie for the championship. As a result, there are no clear favourites.

Let's take a look at the previous champions by year

2012: Makerere University

2013: Kampala University

2014: MUBS

2015: MUBS

2016: Kampala University

2017: Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi

2018: Kyambogo University

2019: Uganda Christian University

2020: Season Canceled

2022: Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi

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