The stage is set and battle lines are drawn for a new champion in University Football League (UFL) history.
The 2025 UFL semifinal draw, held on Friday morning at Kati Kati, has delivered an intriguing matchup semifinal draw that was held on Friday morning at Kati Kati.
St. Lawrence University (SLAU) will take on the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in a highly anticipated two-legged clash.
For SLAU, this is familiar territory. They have reached the semifinals on four previous occasions but are yet to lift the elusive trophy.
For IUIU, this is a return to the last four for the first time since 2018, a chance to make history and push for a first-ever UFL title.
The first leg will be played on Thursday, April 3rd, in Mbale, with the return leg scheduled for Thursday, April 10th, at Kavule, SLAU’s fortress.
SLAU’s head coach, Davis Nnono, is well aware of the challenges ahead. Speaking after the draw, he admitted the difficulty of the tie but remained optimistic about his team’s chances.
“It’s a very tricky tie, but we are going to handle it as it has come. IUIU is tricky and Mbale is not the perfect place you would choose to go but we are going to play our way.”
The coach also emphasized that while he has experience at this stage, his squad is relatively new to such high-pressure games.
“Personally, I have been at this stage four times, unlike the players, because we have a new squad. These players are making it for the first time at this stage, so we are going to Mbale to pick a result that we can bring home. At the end of the two legs, the best team will go through.”
While SLAU has been a consistent semifinalist, IUIU has had a long wait to return to this stage; their last appearance in the semifinals was in 2018, and they will be determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Playing the first leg at home in Mbale could be an advantage, especially considering the intimidating atmosphere they can create.
The matchup is more than just about two teams; it’s about history and ambition. SLAU wants to break its title curse, while IUIU dreams of a first-ever final appearance.
The other semifinal will see Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), Nkozi take on the winner between Bugema University and Muteesa I Royal University.
Their second leg quarterfinal match ended prematurely due to unforeseen circumstances, and a final verdict is expected in the coming week.
- First Leg: Tuesday, April 8th
- Second Leg: Tuesday, April 15th
The UFL has seen various universities write their names in history, with past winners including:
- 2012: Makerere University
- 2013: Kampala University
- 2014 & 2015: MUBS
- 2016: Kampala University
- 2017: Uganda Martyrs University – Nkozi
- 2018: Kyambogo University
- 2019: Uganda Christian University
- 2020: Season Canceled
- 2022: Uganda Martyrs University – Nkozi
- 2023: Nkumba University
