All roads lead to Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku this Sunday, April 27th as the iconic ground hosts the grand finale of the 2025 University Football League.
The stage is set, the tension is real, and history hangs in the balance as St Lawrence University and Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) go head to head in a highly anticipated final with everything to play for.
At the official pre-match press conference held on Thursday at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo both camps expressed confidence, determination, and hunger, not just for the trophy but for redemption and legacy.
This isn’t the first dance between these two footballing giants in a final. Their paths last crossed in the 2022 final where Uganda Martyrs edged out St Lawrence 1-0, thanks to a decisive strike from Sunny Kaija. That result remains a painful memory for St Lawrence, but for UMU, it’s a source of belief.
“History is on our side,” said Orom Henry Bishop, the Uganda Martyrs assistant coach.
“We’ve lost players, yes, but we stayed the course. I believe Sunday ends with us lifting the trophy again.” Confident and calm, Bishop made a rallying call to fans to come witness “good football” as UMU eyes another victorious chapter.
But for St Lawrence, history is not a weight, it’s motivation. Skipper Ziraba Ronnie who was not part of the 2022 loss, has made it clear;
“That’s not my history. I’ve come to write my own.” With a calm fire in his tone, Ziraba is leading a team that is not just physically ready but mentally reborn.
Coach Davis Nnono Ssozi echoed that sentiment, highlighting growth, maturity and resilience.
“This is the best squad I’ve had,” he said.
“Unlike previous editions where we reached the final unbeaten, this time we’ve faced setbacks, two losses but bounced back. That tells me we’re ready and maybe luck is finally on our side.”
Indeed, St Lawrence’s journey has been one of learning and evolution. Twice in the last three editions, they’ve made the final and twice they’ve fallen short both times by the same narrow 1-0 margin. But as their coach insists, this year feels different.
The final kicks off at 3PM, right after the third-place playoff between IUIU and Bugema University, setting up a full afternoon of top-tier university football.
