UFL:YMCA’S UNFORGETTABLE ROAD TO NAKIVUBO FOR THE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL LEAGUE FINALS

YMCA Comprehensive Institute has made history by securing a spot in the finals of the Pepsi University Football League for the first time ever.

They will face Muteesa I Royal University on Saturday, 2nd May 2026, at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo at 3:00pm.

But before that, the third place playoff game between Kampala University and St Lawrence University will take place at 12:00 noon.

Let’s take a look at YMCA Comprehensive Institute’s journey to the historic finals.

GROUP STAGE

YMCA Comprehensive Institute, hosting their games in Buwambo, was placed in Group C with 2023 Champion Nkumba University, 2018 Champions Kyambogo University, ISBAT University, and Busitema University.

They topped Group C with 7 points, winning two games, drawing one, and losing one.

Here’s a recap of their group stage games:

– YMCA Comprehensive Institute 0-0 Kyambogo University

– YMCA Comprehensive Institute 1-0 Nkumba University (Substitute Magezi Enock scored a late goal)

– YMCA Comprehensive Institute 1-0 Busitema University (Wasswa Farouk scored)

– YMCA Comprehensive Institute 0-0 ISBAT University (but lost 3-0 by forfeiture due to fielding an ineligible player)

QUARTERFINALS

YMCA Comprehensive Institute faced Kumi University in the quarterfinals.

They drew 1-1 in Kumi with Luggya Ashiraf scoring for YMCA.

In the return leg, YMCA had a narrow 1-0 win in Buwambo, courtesy of John Kisekka’s penalty, to advance to the semi-finals on 2-1 aggregate.

SEMI-FINALS

YMCA Comprehensive Institute played against Kampala University in the semi-finals.

After a 0-0 draw in Kadiba, they secured a spot in the finals with a 6-5 penalty shootout win in Buwambo.

YMCA goalkeeper Ssenabulya saved Ayebale Samuel and Raymond Kiweewa’s penalties.

Trevor Makubuya scored the winning penalty for YMCA to send the fans in wild celebrations in Buwambo.

John Kisekka has been instrumental in their historic journey.

Pepsi Uganda, Nivana Water, 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