SLAU defy red card to crush MUBS in UFL showdown

Results
SLAU 3 MUBS 1
King Ceasor 1 UCU 6
Kyambogo 1 Busitema 0
Friday 3pm
Nkumba v ISBAT
Saturday 3pm
Ndejje v Kumi 
Sunday 3pm
African Renewal v Kabale

Despite being reduced to 10 men, St Lawrence University (SLAU) extended their dominance over Makerere University Business School (MUBS) with a commanding 3-1 victory on Thursday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, as both sides kicked off their 2025/2026 Pepsi University Football League (UFL) campaign.

Captain fantastic Ronnie Ziraba put SLAU ahead as early as the 10th minute with a composed finish inside the box after a fine assist from Ivan Okello.

SLAU's Lawrence Mugerwa takes a penalty during their game against MUBS

MUBS, who enjoyed much of the first-half possession, fought back in the 30th minute when Bryan Kateete raced through on goal to slot past goalkeeper Mohamed Kateete after a clever pass from Derrick Otuke, sparking wild celebrations from the dominant MUBS crowd.

The first half ended level at 1-1 after a balanced contest between the two university giants.

After the break, MUBS maintained their pressure but failed to convert their dominance into goals, thanks to solid saves from SLAU’s goalkeeper Kateete, who denied Bryan Kateete, Worrick Mbabazi, and Trevor Wakaisuka in quick succession.

MUBS fans celebrate their goal

SLAU regained the lead in the 61st minute when Arafat Kembo beat the offside trap to head home Ziraba’s well-weighted cross, restoring a 2-1 advantage for coach Davis Ssozi Nnono’s side.

Their momentum was briefly halted in the 70th minute when defender Derrick Munanira received a straight red card from referee Henry Musisi for a dangerous challenge on Wakaisuka, leaving SLAU with ten men.

SLAU's Edrine Kalema dribbles past MUBS opponent during their game at Hamz Nakivubo War Memerial Stadium

However, MUBS failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage and were punished in the 78th minute when Lawrence Mugerwa was fouled in the box by Thomas Lasu. The midfielder dusted himself off to convert from the spot, sending goalkeeper Stuart Matovu the wrong way to make it 3-1.

The goal sealed SLAU’s third consecutive victory over MUBS, with jubilant scenes on the SLAU bench and among their travelling fans. On the other hand, frustration mounted for MUBS coach Bosco Dudu, who protested both Kembo’s goal—believing it was offside—and the “soft” penalty decision.

Despite late pressure, MUBS could not find a breakthrough as SLAU held firm to claim all three points.

MUBS fans chering their team at Hamz Stadium

For SLAU, last season’s beaten finalists after a 3-0 loss to Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), the result marks a perfect start in their quest for a maiden UFL crown after losing three finals.

The victory lifts SLAU to the top of Group D with three points, level with Gulu University, but ahead on goal difference. For MUBS, the defeat is a major setback, especially with the league’s new format allowing only group winners to progress to the quarterfinals and scrapping the home-and-away system—meaning the two sides will not meet again in this stage.

Once a dominant force, the two-time champions MUBS have struggled in recent seasons, failing to reach the knockout rounds last year after a poor start.

UFL action continues on Friday in Group C as defending champions Nkumba University host ISBAT University in Entebbe. Both sides are seeking redemption after opening-day defeats—Nkumba lost 1-0 away to YMCA, while ISBAT fell 2-1 to Kyambogo University at Hamz Stadium.