UFL expands to 31 teams, adopts Champions League-style format
The three institutions bring the number of participating universities to 31 as the competition enters its 14th edition since its inception in 2012.
Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) President George Wagogo (second left) poses for a photo with sports tutors of new universities World Mission Frontier, Metropolitan and Seeta University during the UFL draws at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala. Photo by Johnson Were
Metropolitan International University, Seeta University and University of World Mission Frontier are the latest universities to join the Pepsi University Football League (UFL), which has adopted a format similar to the UEFA Champions League league phase for the 2026/27 season.
The three institutions bring the number of participating universities to 31 as the competition enters its 14th edition since its inception in 2012.
The new format was unveiled on Thursday during the official season launch at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo, Kampala.
Under the arrangement, each university will play six matches, three at home and three away, with the top two teams in each group and the two best third-placed sides advancing to the quarter-finals.
The universities have been divided into three groups organised around Eastern (A), Western (B) and Northern (C) regions, with Central region institutions distributed across the groups according to their rankings. Teams will not necessarily face every opponent in their respective groups.
Group A comprises Busitema, Kumi, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Soroti, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), Uganda Christian University (UCU), King Ceasor, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Metropolitan International and University of World Mission Frontier.
Group B features St Lawrence University (SLAU), Nkumba, Makerere University (MAK), Kampala International University (KIU), ISBAT, Bugema, International University of East Africa (IUEA), Bishop Stuart University (BSU), Kabale, defending champions Muteesa and Mountains of the Moon University (MMU).
Group C brings together Muni, Lira, Gulu, YMCA, Kampala University (KU), Kyambogo, University of Kisubi (UNIK), Seeta, Ndejje and Africa Renewal.
Defending champions Muteesa will begin their title defence at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on October 20, although their opponents will only be confirmed when the fixtures are released today. Muteesa claimed their maiden title last season after defeating YMCA in the final.
UMU remains the league's most successful side with three titles, while KU and MUBS have won two each. Kyambogo, UCU, Nkumba and MAK have each won the trophy once.
The competition has grown from six universities in 2012 to 31. However, Victoria University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology will not participate this season.
Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) president George Wagoogo identified integrity, player safety, security and visibility as key priorities for the new campaign.
King Ceasor University Public Relations Officer Betty Uwiringiyimana makes a draw during the University Football League draws at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala on October 15, 2025. Looking on (right) is AUUS General Secretary Patrick Sebuliba. Photo by Johnson Were
AUUS's new digital system, alongside media partner Vision Group, is expected to improve access to league information, while universities were encouraged to upgrade their playing facilities.
King Ceasor, entering its second season, hopes to reach the quarter-finals after failing to win a match during its debut campaign.
“We learned so much from our debut season. It was tough, I have to be honest, but this season we have made the necessary preparations and our target is to reach the quarter-finals,” said sports tutor Aziz Katabazi.\
Metropolitan International dean of students Dauda Nkalubo welcomed the opportunity to participate, saying the league would help develop students' football talent and raise the institution's profile.