The curtain came down on the thrilling 2025 season of the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) with a glittering awards ceremony that celebrated the best talents, tactics and emerging stars across Uganda’s universities.
The event, rich in emotion and recognition, spotlighted the individuals and institutions that shaped one of the most competitive seasons in the league’s history.
- Bugema’s calm strategist leads the pack
Kiwa Faustino of Bugema University was crowned Sports Tutor of the Season, winning praise for his calm demeanour, punctuality and exceptional hospitality to visiting teams.
Known for attending all games home and away, Kiwa’s leadership off the pitch proved just as crucial as any victory on it.
- Unbeaten coach makes history
In the coaching arena, Kisuuze Eric of Uganda Martyrs University stood above the rest. Named Coach of the Season, Eric steered his team through an unbeaten campaign 11 matches, 9 wins and 2 draws against tough sides like Muni and Bugema. His tactical intelligence and consistency solidified Uganda Martyrs’ growing dominance.
- Rookie Revelation: Alele Tom dazzles
The Rookie of the Season accolade went to Alele Tom from Kumi University. The lethal striker left defenses in disarray, terrorizing established programs like Ndejje, Victoria and Makerere. His clinical finishing and fearlessness marked him as a rising star in Ugandan football.
- Ocen Fred guards the posts with pride
In goal, Ocen Fred of Ndejje University was a wall. Playing 8 games and keeping 7 clean sheets, Ocen’s composure and brilliance earned him the Goalkeeper of the Season award, positioning him as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the nation.
- Kayondo Joseph: A season for the ages
The spotlight, however, belonged to Kayondo Joseph of Uganda Martyrs University. The dynamic defender didn’t just win the Defender of the Season title, he also walked away with the prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Kayondo was a revelation on both ends of the pitch. With 5 goals and 2 assists in just 5 games, the attacking defender displayed versatility reminiscent of Ugandan football legend Paul Hasule.
His contributions were critical to Martyrs’ unbeaten streak, and his inclusion in the Best XI of the Season was inevitable.
- Midfield Engine: Jjonga Nicholas impresses
In midfield, Jjonga Nicholas, also from Uganda Martyrs University, was a dominant force.
Named Midfielder of the Season, Jjonga drew comparisons to Claude Makelele for his dual role as an attacking engine and defensive anchor.
His control and ability to dispossess opponents made him an integral piece in Martyrs’ machinery.
- Assists Maestro: Matege Innocent delivers
From St. Lawrence University, Matege Innocent was recognized as the Most Assists Provider of the season.
With 5 assists and 2 goals, he was directly involved in 7 of St. Lawrence’s goals, an impressive tally that highlighted his creativity and vision.
- Golden Boot: Wanuume Gilbert strikes gold
Up front, Wanuume Gilbert of Kampala University bagged the Top Scorer of the Season award.
With 6 goals in 4 games, including the only hat trick of the season against Gulu, his finishing prowess was unmatched.
- Best XI: A Reflection of the Season’s Best
The league’s Best XI of the season featured a stellar cast
- Ocen Fred (Ndejje)
- Kayondo Joseph (Uganda Martyrs)
- Lubega Ismail (Nkumba)
- Agaku Vincent (St. Lawrence)
- Mutebi Patrick (Uganda Martyrs)
- Jjonga Nicholas (Uganda Martyrs)
- Ogola Patrick (UCU)
- Matege Innocent (St. Lawrence)
- Ziraba Ronnie (St. Lawrence)
- Agamile Ivan (Uganda Martyrs)
- Wanuume Gilbert (Kampala)
