UCU, Makerere set for AUUS football final showdown in Mukono

By Kayiira Jackson 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) will lock horns with Makerere University in the final of the 2025 Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games football championship, scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd December at the UCU Grounds in Mukono.

The hosts sealed their place in the final after edging Kampala University 1-0 in a tense semi-final played under wet conditions on Monday evening. The decisive moment came when Sharif Ssewanyana rose highest to head home an in-swinging corner delivered from the left by Peter Kyomuhedo, a goal that proved enough to send UCU into their first Inter-University football final since 2019.

UCU head coach Jimmy Kintu Mwera hailed his side’s progress, noting the steady rebuild after recent disappointments.

“We have been struggling and rebuilding in the previous two editions. We look better than we were in the last two tournaments and now we have a real chance to lift the trophy again,” Mwera said.

Despite the defeat, Kampala University head coach Vicent Tumusiime praised his players for their discipline and commitment.

“I thank my players for implementing our game plan. It was a tough match. They got one clear chance and took it. We failed to convert ours, and that made the difference,” Tumusiime reflected.

Awaiting UCU in the final is Makerere University, who also secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in the second semi-final. Makerere’s win was sealed in spectacular fashion, with Innocent Kisolo unleashing a thunderous 35-yard strike in the closing minutes to cap a hard-fought contest.

The victory marks Makerere’s return to the AUUS football final for the first time in 12 years. Their last appearance came in 2013, when they defeated Kampala University in the final—also hosted by UCU in Mukono.

On their road to the final, UCU had earlier overcome Nkumba University 2-0 in the quarter-finals, with goals from Isaac Opejjo and Reagan Ssekisambu. Makerere, on the other hand, booked their semi-final spot after eliminating Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 1-0, courtesy of Kevin Ssekibengo’s calmly taken penalty.

With history, pride and silverware at stake, Tuesday’s final promises a captivating contest as hosts UCU chase a return to glory against a resurgent Makerere side seeking to reclaim past dominance on the inter-university stage.