New Era for the University Football League as 2026/2027 is set to kickoff

The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) has today held the official draws for the 14th edition of the University Football League at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo, Kampala ahead of the highly anticipated 2026/2027 season.

To begin with, this year’s edition will see an increase in numbers, featuring 31 universities from the 27 that competed last season.

The new additions are Seeta University, Metropolitan International University and World Mission Frontiers University.

Meanwhile, the new season comes with significant format changes.

Specifically , the 31 University teams will compete in regional groups comprising the Eastern, Western and Northern groups.

With the new arrangement, each university will play six group games three at home and three away in a format similar to that of the UEFA Champions League.

Then the best two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stage alongside the two best third-placed teams commonly referred to as the best losers.

Furthermore, according to the released schedule, the group stages are expected to kick off on 20th October 2026 and run until 4th April 2027 while the grand finale has been scheduled for 8th May 2027.

In addition, the league has introduced a new eligibility rule where each university will be allowed to field two players who have featured in the Masaza Cup.

Muteesa I Royal University are the defending champions after winning last season’s title at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.

Group A (Eastern)

Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, Uganda Christian University, Metropolitan International University, Makerere University Business School, King Censor University, Kumi University , Soroti University, World Mission Frontiers University, Islamic University In Uganda, Busitema University

Group B (Western)

Nkumba University, Makerere University, Kampala International University, ISBAT University, Bugema University, International University of East Africa, St Lawrence University,Muteesa I Royal University, Bishop Stuart University, Mountain of the Moon University, Kabale University

Group C (Northern)

Ndejje University, African Renewal University, Lira University, Muni University,Gulu University, YMCA Comprehensive Institute, Kampala University, Kyambogo University, University Of Kisubi, Seeta University