Yumbe, Uganda: Yumbe-based football club, Calvary FC, were officially crowned champions of the 2024/25 FUFA Big League in a thrilling closing ceremony on Sunday, June 22, marking a historic return to Uganda’s top-tier football.
Calvary FC, who topped the table with 52 points, were joined by Gaddafi FC and Buhimba Saints United FC, as the three clubs sealed promotion to the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League. The trio will replace Bright Stars Soltilo FC, Mbale Heroes FC, and Wakiso Giants FC, who were relegated after a tough UPL season.
Lawrence Olaboro of Calvary FC was the standout performer of the season and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), having played a central role in the club’s unbeaten home record and robust defense.
“This means a lot to me and to the people of Yumbe. We worked hard as a team and stayed focused,” Olaboro said in his acceptance speech shortly after receiving the accolade.
Led by Captain Owiny Ronald, Calvary FC also had the best home record in the league, winning 12 of their 15 home games at Midigo Primary School Grounds without a single defeat.
FUFA officials, led by Executive Committee Member Rogers Mulindwa, local leaders, and thousands of fans thronged Midigo Primary School grounds in Yumbe on Sunday to witness the glittering trophy ceremony.
The event was capped with cultural performances and fireworks in celebration of the club’s rise to top-flight football.
Arua Hill SC Relegated Despite 10-0 Rout
Arua Hill SC registered the highest-scoring match of the season with a 10-0 demolition of Booma FC in Masindi, but it was not enough to avoid relegation. The club ended the season 13th with 32 points, level with MYDA FC of Tororo, who also dropped after a 1-0 loss to Kigezi Homeboyz.
Coach Allan Kabonge Kivewala lamented a missed opportunity two weeks earlier in a 1-1 draw with Busoga United: “We would have survived had we beaten Busoga United. I thank our fans for their support, and urge them to keep believing in the team.”
Relegation: Busoga United, Booma FC, Arua Hill SC, and MYDA
Four clubs were officially relegated to the regional league tier: Busoga United FC – 14th (30 pts), Booma FC – 15th (19 pts), MYDA FC – 12th (32 pts), and Arua Hill SC – 13th (32 pts)
Kigezi Homeboyz, on the other hand, ensured survival with a narrow 1-0 win over MYDA in Kabale, courtesy of Joseph Sseremba.
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