The curtain will fall on the 2024/25 FUFA Big League season tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, and all signs point to a thrilling conclusion with promotion, the league title, and survival all to be decided on the final day.
A brand-new trophy awaits the champion, but six clubs still have a mathematical chance of clinching promotion to the Uganda Premier League (UPL), while five others are fighting for their lives to avoid relegation to regional football.
At the top, the race couldn’t be tighter. Table leaders Calvary and second-placed Buhimba United Saints are locked on 49 points, with former holding a slender advantage on the away goals rule in their head-to-head record.
Buhimba edged Calvary 2-1 in Kigaaya, but lost the reverse fixture 1-0 in Midigo, handing Calvary the edge courtesy of the away goal scored in Kigaaya.
Calvary will host fourth-placed Paidha Black Angels in Yumbe, needing just a point to secure their return to top-flight football.
Paidha, on 46 points, are still in the hunt for promotion but must win and hope other results swing in their favour. Buhimba, meanwhile, are away to Kiyinda Boys in Kiwenda.
The Saints may have stumbled last weekend in a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Kigezi HomeBoyz, but their head-to-head record over Paidha and Blacks Power gives them a slight cushion in case of a tie on points. They need a win to guarantee their promotion dream stays alive.
Blacks Power, sitting on 46 points, will host relegation-threatened Busoga United in Lira.
Only a win will do for the northern giants if Calvary or Buhimba slip up, while Busoga, on 30 points, desperately need a result to avoid the drop.
Another crunch tie will be in Mbale, where Gaddafi FC, currently third with 47 points, visit Kataka.
Gaddafi must win to remain in contention, though their head-to-head disadvantage against Buhimba may work against them in a tiebreaker.
While the race at the top captures attention, the fight to stay in the Big League is just as heated. With Booma already confirmed for relegation, three more clubs will join them in the drop.
Arua Hill (29 points), Kigezi HomeBoyz (30), Busoga United (30), Kaaro Karungi (31), and MYDA (32) are all at risk. The final fixtures pit these teams in do-or-die clashes.
Kigezi HomeBoyz will host MYDA in Kabale in a direct survival clash, while Arua Hill will hope to capitalize on Booma’s confirmed relegation when they visit Masindi.
Kaaro Karungi, with 31 points, will welcome Ntugasaze at the Kyamate stadium in Ntungamo.
With everything to play for across the table, from title glory to avoiding the drop, the FUFA Big League finale promises drama, emotion, and possibly heartbreak.