By 
- Bugema 0-0 Uganda Martyrs
Agg (0-2)
Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) have once again announced their arrival on the grand stage of university football after securing a place in the 2025 Pepsi University Football League (UFL) final, following a gritty goalless draw away at Bugema University on Tuesday evening.
The result ensured UMU advanced on a 2-0 aggregate, thanks to their first leg triumph in Mpigi.
Now just one match away from lifting their third UFL crown, the Saints are set to rekindle an old rivalry with St Lawrence University (SLAU), a side they famously edged in the 2022 final, courtesy of a Sunny Kaija strike.
Coming into the second leg with a two-goal cushion, UMU needed composure, discipline, and defensive steel and they delivered just that.
From the first whistle, Bugema, driven by urgency and the home crowd, threw everything forward. Opio Azizi’s early surge caused a stir, but Kayondo’s timely intervention calmed the storm.
The Saints, however, weren’t merely sitting back. Their transitions sparked danger and in the 25th minute, Agamile narrowly missed the target after pouncing on a loose ball.
Still, Bugema’s fight continued with the lively Suleiman Ssentongo proving a handful throughout the first half weaving past defenders, creating space and testing the backline.
But the Martyrs held firm. Patrick Mutebi stood tall in defense, Okoboi Sadam came up with crucial saves and Kayondo marshaled the midfield to keep the hosts at bay.
As the heavens opened up in the 70th minute, soaking players and fans alike, the game turned scrappier. But UMU’s composure never wavered.
Bugema carved out a few more chances, Kimuli Dennis with a close-range effort that he failed to direct on target but the Martyrs’ backline stood like a wall.
Even in the dying minutes, when Bugema were awarded a series of free kicks, UMU’s discipline, time management and tactical awareness ensured their clean sheet remained intact.
With five minutes of added time, the Saints sealed their progression in style not with flair or goals but with grit, focus and an unrelenting belief in their game plan.
The final showdown now brings together two familiar foes: Uganda Martyrs University vs St Lawrence University, just like in 2022, a match that etched the name of UMU in gold for the second time in UFL history.
UMU will now aim to join MUBS and Kampala University as the only sides to have won the title three times. SLAU, meanwhile, are seeking revenge and redemption, having watched the trophy slip away in their last encounter.
With previous UFL champions like Makerere (2012), Kampala University (2013, 2016), MUBS (2014, 2015), and UCU (2019) having all had their time in the spotlight, Uganda Martyrs are now chasing history.
Their 2017 and 2022 triumphs speak of a rising force in university football, and 2025 could be the year they establish themselves as a true dynasty.
As for Bugema, their UFL journey isn’t over yet, they will face Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU) in the third-place playoff.
For the Saints of Nkozi, however, all eyes are on the ultimate prize.
