Pepsi University Football League Returns in September with New Format

The Pepsi University Football League (UFL) is back for its 11th season, and this time it will be running in alignment with the university academic calendar.

The first round of the league will be held between September and November 2023, while the second round will be held between February and May 2024.

The league has also expanded to include 23 teams this season, with ISBAT University joining the competition.

The defending champions, Uganda Martyrs University, will kick off their title defense on Tuesday, September 12, against Bugema University.

Uganda Martyrs University celebrate winning the UFL trophy in 2022

One of the most anticipated matches of the group stage is the clash between bitter rivals Kyambogo University and Makerere University.

Games between the two almost always end in violence, and a number have in the past been played on neutral grounds, behind closed doors.

Both one-time winners; Makerere in 2012, and Kyambogo in 2018, have been placed in Group C with Ndejje and Muni University.

The full lineup of groups is as follows:

• Group A: Bugema University, Kabale University, Uganda Martyrs University, University of Kisubi
• Group B: Islamic University in Uganda, Makerere University Business School, Victoria University, YMCA
• Group C: Kyambogo University, Makerere University, Muni University, Ndejje University
• Group D: Busitema University, Kampala International University, Kumi University, Uganda Christian University
• Group E: Gulu University, International University of East Africa, Nkumba University, St. Lawrence University
• Group F: Bishop Stuart University, ISBAT University, Kampala University

The Pepsi University Football League is one of the most popular sporting events in Uganda, and it is expected to attract a large number of fans this season.

The league provides a platform for young players to showcase their talent, and it has helped to produce some of the country’s top footballers.

Courtesy Photos