2026/27 University Football League:
- Official opening match: Bugema University 0-3 Muteesa 1 Royal University
Muteesa 1 Royal University opened University Football League (UFL) title defence with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bugema University at the Hamz Stadium (Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds) on Thursday, 22nd October 2026.
Shabir Lubega, Erick Katende and Sam Mutambo were on target for the reigning champions who are coached by former Uganda Cranes international Tonny Mawejje.
Lubega scored on the stroke of half time with a clinical finish inside the goal area off a cut-back from Ivan Ochan.
Katende made it two five minutes into the second stanza with a decent strike past the goalkeeper Nasser Kalulu before substitute Mutambo made it three on the hour mark.
Attempts by Bugema University to pull back a goal were fruitless, thanks to the discipline backline of Muteesa 1 Royal University and command of the goalkeeper Joram Kayanja.
Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, the commissioner of physical education and sports in the Ministry of Education and Sports was chief guest during the opener also graced by different AUUS officials.
The university football league is organized by the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS), sponsored by Crown Beverages Limited under the Pepsi Brand.
Team Line Ups:
Bugema University XI: Nasser Kalulu (G.K), Lambert Nyakusinga, Bashir Kasibante, Coneliou Wasimera, Chrispus Juuko, Mathew Casemiro Bebe, Innocent Tumuhisibise, Kamulungi Nuwagaba, Joseph Male, Patrick Nuwatuha, Andrew Ssenyonga
Subs: Fred Ochen, Keagan Mulyanti, Moses Kakooza, Emmanuel Kidawalime, Edward Mutebi, Derrick Musinguzi, Jonah Mwandah
Team Official:
- Head coach: Andrew Mugagga
- Assistant coach: Paul Yiga
- Team doctor: Alex Yiga
- Team manager: Joshua Kiyimba
- Official: Faustine Kiwa
Mutesa 1 Royal University XI: Joram Kayanja, Twaha Malala Bukenya, Martin Mutebi, Hamidu Suna, Shafick Ssentongo, Ali Lutwama, Ivan Ochan, Gideon Ssemaganda, Shabir Lubega, Nicholas Ssenyonjo, Erick Katende
Subs: Ivan Ssemukasa, Ibrahim Mutebi, Gerald Ssempeebwa, Sam Mutambo, Emmanuel Kirunda, Alex Kizza, Joel Kyeyune
Officials:
- Head coach: Tonny Mawejje
- Assistant coach: Peter Sibo
- Team doctor: Fahad Ssebagala
- Team manager: Henry Lutaaya
- Official: Charles Lutaaya
*Photography: Jackson Kayiira
