Muteesa I Royal University reached the University Football League final for the first time after a 3-1 win over St Lawrence University at Kavule, ending the tournament favourites’ campaign at the semi-final stage.
Eric Katende gave the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute before Collins Ssemanda equalised three minutes later for St Lawrence. Muteesa regained control before the break, with captain Ali Lutwama scoring in the 37th minute, and Brian Rwothomio sealed the result with a third goal in the 66th minute.
The result extends St Lawrence’s wait for the title, now seven years without winning the competition despite repeatedly entering as favourites.
It also marked a significant moment at Kavule, where St Lawrence had not lost a home semi-final since the 2018/19 campaign, when they were beaten by Kampala University on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
Muteesa I Royal’s run to the final represents a turnaround from last season, when they were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Bugema University. Their path this year has included wins over defending champions Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, and last season’s runners-up St Lawrence, strengthening their credentials ahead of the final.
They will face YMCA in the final, with both sides appearing at this stage for the first time. St Lawrence will instead play Kampala University in the third-place playoff.
The final is scheduled for 2 May 2026, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
