University Football League: UMU see of spirited Bugema to reach UFL Final

Score: Bugema University 0 Uganda Martyrs University 0 (Aggregate: 0-2)
Final: Uganda Martyrs University vs St. Lawrence University

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Tuesday sealed their place in the finals of the 2025 Pepsi University Football League (UFL) after holding Bugema University to a goalless draw in a return leg quarterfinal played in Luwero District.

The Saints advanced on a 2-0 aggregate, having secured a crucial first-leg win last week courtesy of second-half goals from Emmanuel Tumusiime and Richard Lagu. That result proved decisive, as Bugema failed to find a breakthrough despite a spirited performance in front of their home crowd.

The clash in Luwero saw both teams adopt a cautious approach, with Bugema pressing hard in the first half. Ssentongo Suleiman was particularly lively for the hosts, forcing several defensive errors and testing UMU’s backline, but his efforts were either off-target or blocked by a resolute defence.

UMU’s defence stood firm, repelling wave after wave of Bugema attacks. Bugema goalkeeper Karugi Ronald made a stunning save to deny UMU Kayondo Joseph’s free-kick midway through the second half.

As the clock ticked down, Bugema’s urgency grew, but their finishing let them down. Kimuli Dennis came close but couldn’t convert, with UMU maintaining their composure to see out the game.

The Saints’ tactical discipline and defensive solidity were hallmarks of their performance, maintaining their unbeaten run in the competition and booking a spot in the final against St. Lawrence University.

Another clash is set for later this April and marks UMU’s second final appearance in three years. They previously defeated St. Lawrence in the 2022 final and will look to repeat history.

St. Lawrence University has secured its third appearance in the Pepsi University Football League final in the last four seasons.

Bugema, meanwhile, will shift focus to the third-place playoff against Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).