UMU cements legacy as University football kings with historic third title

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) won their third University Football League title last Sunday with a commanding 3-0 victory over St. Lawrence University (SLAU) at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

That victory confirmed UMU's position as the most successful team in the competition's history since its formation in 2012.

UMU's first title came in 2017, when they defeated Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 2-0, avenging their 2015 final loss to MUBS, who had won 4-0. Their second triumph arrived in 2022 against SLAU, with a narrow 1-0 win at Lugogo. That victory had put them alongside MUBS and Kampala University (KU) as joint record-holders with two titles each, a record they have now surpassed.

While each title was special, UMU fans described Sunday's victory as the "sweetest,” Speaking to Vision Sports at full-time, they cited the team's unprecedented unbeaten run throughout the season, a feat no other team has achieved as the crowning glory.

UMU fans and neutrals were thrilled with their quality of football on the final day. They dominated SLAU from start to finish, showcasing excellent ball movement and clinical finishing. The goals came courtesy of a man-of-the-match performance from Calvin Peter Emayo, who scored once and assisted Ronald Obed Giu, while Crispus Sseruwuge sealed the win with a stunning long-range strike.

Throughout the campaign, UMU demonstrated remarkable squad depth. Even when two of their key players, Sanny Kaija and Robert Kitabalwa, were controversially suspended by the league committee, and injuries struck stars like Emayo, Francis Ogwang, Emmanuel Ogwang, and Valentino Odoi, the team continued to excel. Players such as Richard Lagu, Giu, Cheng Per Jek, Crispus Sseruwuge, Nicholas Jjonga, and Joseph Kayondo stepped up to maintain UMU’s momentum all the way to the title.

UMU's journey in the league has not always been smooth. The first three years were a learning curve until they appointed former Proline FC coach Shafiq Bissaso, who guided them to their maiden title in 2017. Since then, UMU has never failed to reach the quarterfinals and have consistently been among the favourites each season.

In an interview with Vision Sports, John Marys Lutaaya, UMU’s Head of Sports, credited consistent support from the university and a strategic approach to talent development for their sustained success in the UFL and other competitions like the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games and the Eastern Africa University Games.

“Sports at UMU is a very big thing," Lutaaya said. "While we compete in other disciplines like basketball and rugby, football is where we have dominated most. The university management is very supportive. For football alone, I have 23 scholarships available for players, which allows me to recruit the best talent.”

He also highlighted their effective scouting strategy:

“We scout early before the start of each season, often from top football schools like St. Mary’s Kitende, Buddo SSS, Masaka SSS, Blessed Sacrament Kimaanya, and Kibuli. We also identify talent at national tournaments like the USSSA Boys' Football Championship. In fact, our coaches Eric Kisuze and Bishop Orom will be in Ngora district to scout new players.”

Lutaaya further praised UMU’s passionate supporters:

“Our fan base is incredible. The people of Nkozi treat this team as their own, not just a university team but a community team. That loyalty inspires confidence in our players to give their best every season.”

With three titles now under their name, UMU have truly etched their name in the history of university football in Uganda and judging by their structure and passion, they are far from finished.