Nkumba University mounted a spirited comeback to edge Busitema University 2-1 in a closely contested University Football League (UFL) encounter at Nkumba on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Busitema, coming off a strong first-leg performance, took an early lead just two minutes into the match when Joseph Dinya capitalised on Gabriel Opio’s cross to slot home past Nkumba’s defense.
However, the hosts, known for their resilience, quickly responded, their equaliser coming in the 14th minute when captain John Kennedy “Figo” Ssewankambo was brought down inside the box, winning a penalty that he confidently converted.
From that moment, Nkumba dictated play, launching relentless attacks through Ssewankambo, Acram Juma, and Joshua Komori.
Despite creating several chances, including a missed effort from Marvin Kagimu and a close-range save by Busitema goalkeeper Emmanuel Ongu, Nkumba had to wait until the 78th minute to find the winner.
Komori reacted quickest to a spilled ball off a Buruhani Tasumba free-kick, tapping in from close range to seal all three points for the Beach Boys.
Busitema struggled to break through Nkumba’s compact defense in the final moments, and the hosts held on to their lead until the final whistle.
The result lifts Nkumba to seven points in Group A, level with Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), while Busitema remains on three points.
In Group E, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) edged the International University of East Africa (IUEA) 1-0 in Kansanga, courtesy of an early goal from Wesley Aguma.
The victory secured UMU’s place in the knockout stage, maintaining their unbeaten run.
Elsewhere, Kampala University outlasted Gulu University 3-2 in a Group D clash, with Gilbert Wanuume netting a hat-trick for the hosts.
Gulu University’s goals came from Comboni Komakech and Roger Nyeko’s late penalty.
Muteesa I Royal University stunned Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 1-0 in Group F, thanks to a last-minute header by Musa Sserwanga.
In Group C, St. Lawrence University defeated YMCA 3-1, with Ronnie Ziraba, Innocent Matege, and Lawrence Mugerwa getting on the scoresheet.
The UFL action continues on Wednesday, February 19, with Bugema University set to host Kampala International University (KIU) in a Group D encounter.
