Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) football team, known as the Cardinals, recently finished as first runners-up in the University Football League (UFL) season 2023/2024. This impressive feat not only confirms their reputation as one of the top contenders but also earns them a place in the upcoming East African University Games, which are scheduled to take place in December 2024. This event will be held either in Kenya or Tanzania, actual venue is yet to be confirmed and announced.
The UFL finals took place on the 20th of April 2024 at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, Kampala Uganda with UCU Cardinals playing with Nkumba University. Despite facing several early setbacks, UCU displayed resilience throughout the match.
Just 21 minutes into the game, UCU faced a huge setback after their goalkeeper John Collins Wesonga was sent out with a direct red card for handling the ball outside the box, leaving UCU with a numerical disadvantage.
Early in second half, Sharif Ssewanyana’s excellent free-kick provided a glimmer of hope for UCU.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, Nkumba emerged victorious, clinching the UFL championship for the first time in history with a resounding 3-1 victory over UCU. Nonetheless, in 2019, UCU won the UFL championship.
To reach the UFL final, UCU had to navigate a tense semi-final against Makerere University Business School (MUBS), which ended in a 1-0 victory. In the quarterfinals, they faced stiff competition from Makerere University, which ended in a 1-0 win.
As UCU prepares to participate in the East African University Games, they are well-positioned to leverage their experience, skill, and determination to register a mark on the regional stage. The Cardinals are poised to showcase their talent and represent UCU with pride in the upcoming tournament, with their eyes set on achieving success and bringing glory to UCU.
We all wish the UCU Cardinals the very best.
Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi
Edited By: Harriet Adong, Consultant at UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department
Photos By: Andrew Bugembe
