The 2025/26 Pepsi University Football League (UFL) quarterfinals burst into life with tightly contested first-leg encounters, highlighted by a balanced 1-1 draw between Kumi University and YMCA Comprehensive Institute on Sunday, 29th March 2026.
YMCA Comprehensive broke the deadlock early in the second half through Ashraf Luggya, who produced a moment of brilliance with a rare Olympico—curling the ball directly from a corner kick in the 50th minute.
However, Kumi University responded with resilience, leveling matters in the 64th minute when Cuthbert Muge calmly finished off a well-delivered ball from Nathan Walwasa.
With everything still to play for, the decisive second leg is set for Buwambo next week, where both sides will battle for a semifinal berth.
Elsewhere, defending champions Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi edged Muteesa 1 Royal University 2-1 to carry a slim advantage into the return leg in Masaka.
Goals from Richard Lagu and Allan Odong put the holders in command before Ali Lutwama converted a late penalty to keep Muteesa’s hopes alive.
At Kavule, St Lawrence University secured a crucial 2-1 home victory over Ndejje University. Ronnie Ziraba and Sharafah Mukibi found the net for the hosts, while Davis Musinguzi’s strike ensured Ndejje remain firmly in contention ahead of the return leg in Luweero.
Meanwhile, Bugema University and Kampala University settled for a 1-1 draw in their first meeting, setting up an intriguing reverse fixture at FUFA Kadiba Stadium in Mengo scheduled for Monday, 30th March 2026.
With all four ties delicately poised, the race to the semifinals promises high drama as the universities prepare for decisive second-leg showdowns.
Organized by the Red Rhino Group and sponsored by Crown Beverages Limited under the Pepsi brand, the UFL continues to provide a vital platform for student-athletes to showcase their talent in a competitive setting.
The competition, exclusively featuring registered students under the age of 26, has over the years played a key role in developing footballers, coaches, administrators, and media professionals across the country.
