UMU reigns supreme at UFL Awards with multiple honours

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), the 2025 Pepsi University Football League champions, have been awarded a trophy to keep permanently by the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) in recognition of becoming the first team to win the competition three times in its 13-year history.

The trophy was presented to the UMU delegation, led by their university sports tutor Henry Lutaaya and head coach Eric Kisuze, by Rev. Canon Duncans Mugumya, the Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports in the Ministry of Education and Sports yesterday at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo during the end of season awards gala.

University Football League goalkeeper of the Season IUIU's Fred Ocen (left) receives his award from AUUS's techinical official George Wagogo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

UMU, based in Nkozi trading centre Mpigi District won this season’s title with a commanding 3-0 victory over St Lawrence University (SLAU) in the final last month. 

This was their third which put them ahead of Kampala University (KU) and Makerere University Business School (MUBS), both of whom have won the league twice.

UMU also swept several individual honours after their captain Joseph Kayondo was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP), the best defender and also named in the in the best eleven of the Season.

Their players, notably Nicholas Jjonga was named Midfielder of the Season and also featured in the best eleven alongside teammates Patrick Mutebi and forward Ivan Agamire. 

University Football League top scorer Gilbert Wanume of Kampala University receives his award from Red Rhino's Samuel Akwetch. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Their coach Kisuze received the best coach of the season award after guiding UMU through an unbeaten 12-game campaign.

Other individual award winners included Gilbert Wanume (KU) who won the golden boot with five goals, including the season’s only hat trick against Gulu University.

The golden glove went to Fred Ochen (Ndejje), who kept seven clean sheets in eight matches and conceded just two goals.

Innocent Matege (SLAU), with four assists was took home the accolade for the most assists of the season. 

Kumi University's Tom Alele, a dynamic forward who troubled defences throughout the campaign was voted the rookie player of the season. 

University Football League's Ivan Agamire of UMU receives his award as part of the best 11 from AUUS vice president Vincent Kisenyi . Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Faustino Kiwa of Bugema University emerged as the best sports tutor beating out UMU’s Lutaaya and SLAU’s Peter Seguya.

In his remarks, Lutaaya praised the UMU players and coaching staff for their dedication and teamwork.

“I am extremely happy with the entire sports department of UMU, the players, coaching staff, and our fans. We achieved this together, and we are not stopping here. We want more trophies,” he said.

Rev. Canon Mugumya commended AUUS for organising a successful season and pledged government support for university sports development and measures to fight age cheating.

University Football League awardees pose with AUUS officials and the Commisioner of Physical Education and Sports Duncans Mugumya (seated 3rd left) during the UFL Season Awards. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“I want to thank AUUS for promoting university sports. Your work is visible and appreciated. The government will support efforts to improve sports facilities,” he stated.

“As someone overseeing athletes from primary to secondary levels, I will assist with access to records to help in eliminating age cheating and impersonation,” he promised. 

AUUS Vice President and University Football League organising committee chairperson Vincent Kisenyi thanked the athletes for their discipline and urged them to pursue their sports careers beyond university.

“You have shown high levels of discipline and played excellent football. I encourage you to continue nurturing your talents even after university. AUUS is committed to helping students balance academics with sports,” Kisenyi said.

Best XI of the 2025 Season:
Goalkeeper: F. Ochen (Ndejje)

Defenders: J. Kayondo (UMU), I. Lubega (Nkumba), V. Agaku (SLAU), P. Mutebi (UMU)

Midfielders: N. Jjonga (UMU), P. Ogola (UCU), I. Matege (SLAU)

Forwards: R. Ziraba (SLAU), I. Agamire (UMU), G. Wanume (KU)