UFL:MUTEESA 1 ROYAL’S HISTORIC JOURNEY TO THE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL LEAGUE FINALS
Muteesa I Royal University (Royal Lions) has made history by progressing to the Pepsi University Football League finals for the first time ever.
They will face YMCA Institute, also first-time finalists, on Saturday, 2nd May 2026, at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.
Let’s take a look at their journey from the group stages to the finals.
GROUP STAGE
The Masaka-based side topped Group B with 12 points, winning four games and losing one.
They scored seven goals and conceded four.
Here’s a recap of their group stage games:
– Muteesa I Royal University 1-0 Africa Renewal University (Ali Lutwama’s penalty)
– International University of East Africa 1-2 Muteesa I Royal University (Senyonjo Nicholas and Busuulwa Akaya scored for Muteesa)
– Muteesa I Royal University 2-1 Kabale University (Twinamasiko Kenneth and Jjunju Eddie scored for Muteesa)
– Muteesa I Royal University 1-2 Bugema University (Brian Rwothomio scored for Muteesa)
– Muteesa I Royal University 1-0 Bishop Stuart University (Brian Rwothomio scored to seal a quarterfinal slot for the Royal Lions.
QUARTERFINALS
The Royal Lions faced defending champions Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi (UMU) in the quarterfinals.
They lost the first leg 2-1 in Nkozi, with Ali Lutwama scoring a late consolation penalty in the 90th minute.
However, they bounced back with a 1-0 win in Masaka, courtesy of Ali Lutwama’s penalty, to advance to the semi-finals.
SEMI-FINALS
Muteesa I Royal University faced St Lawrence University (SLAU) in the semi-finals.
After a 0-0 draw in Masaka, they secured a 1-3 win in Kavule, thanks to goals from Katende Eric, Ali Lutwama, and Brian Rwothomio.
Ssemanda Collins scored a consolation for SLAU.
THE FINALS
Ali Lutwama, Brian Rwothomio, and Patrick Busuulwa have been instrumental in Muteesa’s historic journey to the finals.
Can they lead the Royal Lions to glory?
Pepsi Uganda, Nivana , and Red Rhino are the lead League sponsors
Past winners:
– 2016: Kampala University
– 2017: Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi
– 2018: Kyambogo University
– 2019: Uganda Christian University
– 2022: Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi
– 2023: Nkumba University
– 2024: Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi