UFL: Bugema University awarded 3-0 win after Muteesa I Royal forfeits quarterfinal match

Kampala, Uganda:- The Pepsi University Football League (UFL) disciplinary committee has awarded Bugema University a 3-0 victory in the match against Muteesa 1 Royal University following a forfeit by the latter under controversial circumstances.

The match that took place on March 24, 2025, ended prematurely at 76 minutes when Muteesa 1 Royal University officials ordered their players to leave the pitch in protest, despite the game being tied at 0-0.

Following a review of the incident, the UFL Disciplinary Committee determined that Muteesa 1 Royal University had breached several UFL regulations, including Article 64, relating to match conduct and security.

According to the Committee’s findings, the disruption occurred after a confrontation between fans of the two universities escalated onto the field, intensifying tensions.

“The match was abandoned at around 5:40 pm. Security stepped in and brought the situation under control, but the Muteesa 1 Royal University players and fans left the venue after being instructed by their technical bench,” the UFL report stated.

Muteesa 1 Royal claimed that their players and fans were subjected to violence before and during the match, resulting in some individuals being hospitalized. However, the committee ruled that the decision to stop the match was unjustified and that the responsibility for determining whether a match should continue lies solely with the referee and match commissioner, not the coach or players.

“The Muteesa 1 Royal University team is reminded that the responsibility for determining whether a football match should continue lies with the Match Commissioner, not the coach or players,” the Disciplinary Committee stated.

As a result, Muteesa 1 Royal University has been fined Shs 1,000,000, and the match was awarded to Bugema University with a 3-0 scoreline. 

The ruling also reprimanded Muteesa for failing to comply with UFL regulations and bringing the league into disrepute.

Muteesa 1 Royal University has the option to appeal the ruling within 48 hours of receiving the decision, as per UFL Rule 109.

Meanwhile, the UFL semifinals are set to proceed, with Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) set to play St. Lawrence University and Uganda Martyrs University facing Bugema University. 

The first leg of the semifinals will be held between April 3 and 8, 2025.