The 2024/25 FUFA Big League season has wrapped up with elation for Calvary, Gaddafi, and Buhimba United Saints securing promotion to the Uganda Premier League after a tense and thrilling finale on Saturday.
Yumbe-based Calvary topped the standings with 52 points following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paidha Black Angels in Yumbe.
Joining them in the top flight are Gaddafi, who finished second with 50 points after brushing aside Kataka 3-0 in Mbale.
Jonathan Mbula, Thomas Kakaire, and Frank Kalanda each found the net to ensure the Publishers returned to the Premier League with a dominant final performance.
Meanwhile, Buhimba United Saints completed the promotion trio despite being held to a goalless draw by Kiyinda Boys in Kiwenda.
Their single point was enough to see them through in third place, also on 50 points, edging fourth-placed Blacks Power by just one.
Blacks Power defeated Busoga United 2-0 in Lira courtesy of a brace from Innocent Maduka but were left heartbroken after missing out by a single point.
Paidha Black Angels, who began the day in contention for promotion, also fell short following their loss to champions Calvary.
This season’s Big League campaign has delivered one of the tightest finishes in recent memory, with five clubs in the running for promotion heading into the final round.
It is a particularly special moment for Calvary and Buhimba, both of whom had never featured in the top division before. For Gaddafi, it marks a swift return to the UPL after their recent relegation.
While the three promoted teams celebrate their leap to the elite tier, the league also saw heartbreak at the bottom, with MYDA, Busoga United, Arua Hill, and Booma relegated to regional leagues.
