The Pepsi University Football League (UFL) has expanded to 31 universities for the 2026/27 season, with three new entrants joining the competition as organisers introduce a regionalised format and tighten player eligibility rules.
Metropolitan International University, Seeta University and World Mission Frontiers University are the latest institutions to join the competition, which enters its 14th edition after growing from just six universities when it was launched in 2012.
The draws were conducted on Thursday, October 15, at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo, Kampala, setting the stage for another competitive campaign as universities battle for the coveted national title.
The expanded competition will be organised into three regional groups representing Eastern, Western and Northern Uganda, a move intended to reduce travel costs and logistical challenges while strengthening participation across the country.
Under the new format, inspired by the UEFA Champions League, each university will play six group-stage matches, including three home fixtures.
The top two teams from each group will qualify automatically for the quarter-finals, alongside the two best-performing teams outside the automatic qualification positions.
However, the introduction of a limit on players who have featured in the Masaza Cup is expected to have a significant impact on recruitment, with each university permitted to register a maximum of two such players.
The restriction adds another dimension to squad planning ahead of the new campaign, placing greater emphasis on university-based talent and compliance with competition regulations.
The second round is expected to begin on February 2, 2027, while the group stage is scheduled to conclude on April 4. The season will climax with the final on May 8, 2027, although venues for the fixtures have not yet been announced.
Wagogo calls for discipline and academic excellence
In Red Ssekajugo Edward And Orom both Sports tutors for African Renewal and Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi respectively.
Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) president George Wagogo said the league’s continued growth reflects the important role university sport plays in developing football talent while promoting academic achievement.
Wagogo emphasised that the competition provides a pathway for aspiring national-team players and professionals, while demonstrating that education and sport can successfully complement each other.
He added that the 2026/27 campaign would prioritise player eligibility, safety, discipline and transparency, with participants required to be registered students below the age of 25.
AUUS will continue collaborating with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), security agencies, broadcasters and sponsors to improve officiating, strengthen match-day safety and increase the league’s visibility.
Wagogo also pledged continued engagement with the government through the National Council of Sports and the ministry responsible for sports, with the aim of securing improved infrastructure and funding for university sport.
Regional groups unveiled
The 31 participating institutions have been distributed across three groups, with Group A representing the Eastern Region, Group B the Western Region and Group C the Northern Region.
Group A — Eastern Region
Uganda Martyrs University, Busitema University, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), World Mission Frontiers University, Soroti University, Kumi University, King Ceasor University, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Metropolitan International University and Uganda Christian University (UCU).
Group B — Western Region
Muteesa I Royal University, Bishop Stuart University, Mountains of the Moon University, Kabale University, St. Lawrence University, Nkumba University, Makerere University, Kampala International University (KIU), ISBAT University, Bugema University and International University of East Africa (IUEA).
Group C — Northern Region
Lira University, Muni University, Gulu University, YMCA Comprehensive Institute, Kampala University (KU), Kyambogo University, University of Kisubi (UNIK), Seeta University, Ndejje University and Africa Renewal University.
A competition with a growing legacy
Since its inception in 2012, the UFL has established itself as an important platform for university football, with several institutions sharing the honours.
Makerere University won the inaugural title in 2012 before Kampala University claimed the crown in 2013. MUBS then secured back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, while Kampala University returned to the top in 2016.
Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, won in 2017 and later added titles in 2022 and 2024/25. Kyambogo University were champions in 2018, Uganda Christian University in 2019 and Nkumba University in 2023.
The competition was not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muteesa I Royal University’s triumph in 2025/26 added another name to the roll of honour, and the defending champions will now face the challenge of maintaining their position in a competition that continues to grow in size and ambition.
With three new universities, a revised qualification pathway and tighter recruitment rules, the 2026/27 season promises a fresh test for institutions seeking to establish themselves among Uganda’s university football elite.