University Football League (UFL) has expanded to 31 universities for the 2026/27 season, with three new entrants joining the competition as organisers introduce a new format modelled on the UEFA Champions League.
Metropolitan International University, Seeta University and World Mission Frontiers University are the latest additions, increasing the number of participating institutions from 27 last season.
The draws for the 14th edition were held on Thursday, October 15, at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo, Kampala. The competition started in 2012 with just six universities.
The expansion comes with a regionalised format aimed at reducing travel costs and logistical challenges while giving more universities a chance to compete.
The 31 institutions have been divided into three groups representing the Eastern, Western and Northern regions. Each university will play six group matches, three at home and three away.
The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the quarter-finals, alongside the two best third-placed teams.
The group stage kicks off on October 20 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, and runs until April 4, 2027. The second round is scheduled to begin on February 2, while the final will be played on May 8, 2027. Venues for the later fixtures are yet to be announced.
Organisers have also limited each university to a maximum of two players who have featured in the Masaza Cup, a decision likely to influence recruitment and team selection.
Muteesa I Royal University will begin their title defence after winning their maiden championship last season.
They beat YMCA Comprehensive Institute 1-0 in the final at Nakivubo Stadium on May 2, 2026, with Sam Mutambo scoring the winner through a 28th-minute header.
The new season gives Muteesa I an opportunity to defend their crown against a larger field, with the three newcomers also hoping to make an impression.
The league has grown steadily since Makerere University won the inaugural title in 2012. Kampala University triumphed in 2013 before Makerere University Business School (MUBS) claimed back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015.
Kampala University won again in 2016, followed by Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, in 2017 and Kyambogo University in 2018. Uganda Christian University lifted the trophy in 2019.
The competition was not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Uganda Martyrs returned to the top in 2022, Nkumba University won in 2023, and Uganda Martyrs claimed the 2024/25 title before Muteesa’s breakthrough triumph last season.
With 31 universities competing, the 2026/27 campaign will test the depth of the established sides while giving newcomers a chance to challenge for the title.
2026/27 UFL Groups
Group A [Eastern Region]
- Uganda Martyrs University
- Busitema University
- Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)
- World Mission Frontiers University
- Soroti University
- Kumi University
- King Ceasor University
- Makerere University Business School (MUBS)
- Metropolitan International University
- Uganda Christian University (UCU)
Group B [Western Region]
- Muteesa I Royal University
- Bishop Stuart University
- Mountains of the Moon University
- Kabale University
- St. Lawrence University
- Nkumba University
- Makerere University
- Kampala International University (KIU)
- ISBAT University
- Bugema University
- International University of East Africa (IUEA)
Group C [Northern Region]
- Lira University
- Muni University
- Gulu University
- YMCA Comprehensive Institute
- Kampala University (KU)
- Kyambogo University
- University of Kisubi (UNIK)
- Seeta University
- Ndejje University
- Africa Renewal University
Makerere University has won the University Football League once in 2012, and Kampala University twice in 2013 and 2016, respectively.Â
Makerere University Business School (MUBS) claimed back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, while Uganda Martyrs University – Nkozi has won the competition three times, in 2017, 2022 and 2024/25, making them the most successful side.Â
Kyambogo University won in 2018, followed by Uganda Christian University in 2019 and Nkumba University in 2023.
The competition was not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Muteesa I Royal University are the reigning champion after winning its maiden title in the 2025/26 season, bringing the number of different universities to have lifted the trophy to eight.