2025 Pepsi University Football League Final: St Lawrence, Uganda Martyrs renew rivalry

By Emmanuel Sekago

The stage is set for the 2025 Pepsi University Football League final, as St Lawrence University prepares to face Uganda Martyrs University in a high-stakes showdown this Sunday, April 27th, at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

The two finalists previewed their strategies and expectations during a pre-match press conference held at Kati Kati Restaurant, Lugogo.

This marks the second time the two sides are meeting in a University Football League final, with the previous encounter in 2022 ending in a narrow 1-0 victory for Uganda Martyrs, thanks to a goal from Suny Kaija.

Speaking to the media, Uganda Martyrs University assistant coach, Orom Henry Bishop, expressed confidence in his side’s ability to replicate their previous success.

“We’re confident that we’re going to lift the trophy again. We may have lost some players, but we remained focused, and I thank God we made it to the final. We beat St Lawrence in 2022, and I believe history will repeat itself,” he said.

Orom called on fans to turn up in large numbers to enjoy what he promised would be a display of quality football.

Despite reaching the final in two of the last three editions, St Lawrence University has yet to win the coveted title, losing both times by the same 1-0 scoreline—to Uganda Christian University in 2019 and Uganda Martyrs in 2022.

However, team captain Ziraba Ronnie made it clear that past results don’t define the current squad.

“People talk about what happened in 2022, but I wasn’t part of that team. That’s their history. I’ve come to write my own,” Ziraba stated boldly.

Head coach Davis Nnono Ssozi echoed this renewed optimism, citing growth and experience as key ingredients in their campaign.

“We’re coming with a different team. In 2022, Kayemba Umar was captain; now we have Ziraba. I’ve also grown as a coach. This is the best squad I’ve had. Unlike past editions where we reached the final unbeaten, this time we’ve faced setbacks but still made it. I believe this is our year,” said Ssozi.

The day’s action will kick off with the third-place playoff between IUIU and Bugema University, followed by the grand final at 3:00 PM.

With both teams hungry for glory and history between them, fans can expect an intense and entertaining finale as Uganda’s top university football teams clash for the 2025 crown.