Mutesa I Royal University vow to retain UFL title as new season kicks off
The university's Sports Tutor, Henry Mary Lutaaya, disclosed this to Vision Sport, stating that his charges are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
Bugema's Kenneth Bwabye (centre) is challenged by UMU's Emmanuel Gwanga (right) and another player during their game. Photo by Johnson Were
As the University Football League (UFL) kicks off this Thursday, October 22, 2026, for the 2026/2027 season, defending champions Mutesa I Royal University have vowed to retain the title for the second consecutive year.
The university's Sports Tutor, Henry Mary Lutaaya, disclosed this to Vision Sport, stating that his charges are fully prepared for the challenge ahead. Muteesa edged YMCA Comprehensive Institute 1-0 in the final to claim the 2025/2026 championship.
The Masaka-based institution has already embarked on renovating its home playground to ensure their matches are hosted on a safe, compliant surface.
"Our focus is to host as many fixtures as possible, but that can only happen if our playground meets the minimum structural standards. We are currently upgrading the pitch to meet those required standards," Lutaaya explained.
"We want to dominate university sports. Therefore, the infrastructure upgrades will cater to all athletes. This is also why we are setting up a women's football team this season to ensure we are ready for any female competitions," Lutaaya added.
Mutesa I Royal University is placed in Group B alongside Nkumba University, St. Lawrence University, Bishop Stuart University, Bugema University, ISBAT University, International University of East Africa (IUEA), Makerere University, Kampala International University (KIU), Kabale University, and Mountains of the Moon University (MMU).
In the opening fixtures this week, defending champions Muteesa will face Bugema University on Thursday at 3:00 PM at Hamz Stadium. The action continues on Friday as World Mission University hosts Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Nsangi, while Soroti University plays host to King Caesar University in Soroti.
On Sunday, Kyambogo University will travel to face Lira University.