KAMPALA.
Uganda – St. Lawrence University’s (SLAU) hopes of clinching their first-ever Pepsi University Football League (UFL) title were shattered on Sunday afternoon as Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) delivered a ruthless 3-0 victory in the 2024/25 final at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku. The defeat marked SLAU’s third loss in a UFL final, prolonging their agonizing wait for the coveted crown.
UMU, now the competition’s most successful team with three titles (2017, 2022, 2025), outclassed SLAU with clinical finishing and superior game management. The Martyrs surged ahead in the 36th minute when Calvin Peter Emayu broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Just six minutes later, Crispus Sseruwunge doubled the lead, leaving SLAU reeling before halftime.
The second half brought no respite for SLAU. Barely ten minutes in, Obedi Giu Ronald sealed the 3-0 rout, ensuring UMU’s third UFL championship and surpassing Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Kampala University, both stuck on two titles. For SLAU, coached by Davis Nnono, it was a bitter repeat of their final defeats in 2019 (to UCU) and 2022 (to UMU).
Despite their determination to end the curse, SLAU struggled to match UMU’s intensity and experience. The Martyrs dominated key moments, showcasing why they are now the undisputed kings of the UFL.
In the third-place playoff earlier, Bugema University secured a 1-0 win over Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) to claim the bronze medal, rounding off their campaign on a high note.
Champions: Uganda Martyrs University
Runner-up: St. Lawrence University
Third place: Bugema University
For SLAU, the loss is a harsh reminder that finals demand precision and composure—qualities UMU mastered on the day. As the Martyrs celebrated their historic triumph, SLAU must regroup and rethink their approach to finally conquer the UFL summit.