Kampala University Break Quarter-Final Jinx as AUUS Group Stage Ends

By Kayiira Jackson 

Kampala University (KU) sealed a return to the AUUS Games quarter-finals for the first time since 2019, thanks to a crucial 1–0 victory over Bugema University, as the group stage action climaxed on Sunday.

A well-taken 53rd-minute strike by Paul Busolo proved decisive in the morning fixture, a goal that ultimately propelled the Ggaba-based side into the last eight despite the last group stage loss to group leaders St Lawrence University.

The result marked a significant milestone for KU, who had failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2023 AUUS Games hosted at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

As the final round of matches unfolded, several teams were forced to dig deep to secure qualification, while others saw their campaigns come to an end.

St Lawrence University underlined their credentials as title contenders with a ruthless 8–1 demolition of ISBAT University. Ivan James Okello led the charge with a hat-trick, scoring in the 1st, 4th and 55th minutes, while Mugerwa Lawrence also struck three times. Ronnie Ziraba added a brace in a dominant display.

Elsewhere, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) suffered a 2–0 defeat to Nkumba University, with Abbey Kavuma scoring in the 13th and 50th minutes. Despite the loss, UMU still secured passage to the quarter-finals after winning their last group stage fixture 6-0 against Soroti University.

Kyambogo University (KYU) recorded a comfortable 2–0 win over Soroti  in the early morning action with goals from Samuel Owor and Chrispus Ayo, while Makerere University edged Nkumba University 1–0, courtesy of Emmanuel Ekwong’s 19th-minute strike.

MUBS also booked their place in the last eight after edging Bishop Stuart University 1–0, with Worrick Mbabazi finding the net just before halftime. Uganda Christian University (UCU) needed a win and duly delivered, defeating Bugema University 1–0 through Peter Kyomuhendo’s 62nd-minute free kick.

There was little to separate Lira and KIU, who played out a 1–1 draw, while Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) came from behind to defeat Lira FC 2–1 in a competitive encounter.

At the end of the group stage, Nkumba University, Kampala University, UCU, MUBS, St Lawrence University, IUIU, Makerere University and Uganda Martyrs University emerged as the eight teams qualified for the quarter-finals.

For Bugema University, last season’s losing finalists, it was a disappointing exit from a demanding “group of death,” as they managed only three points from four matches.

With the group phase now concluded, attention turns to the quarter-finals scheduled for tomorrow, where Kampala University will look to build on their momentum and push deeper into the tournament.