AUUS Games 2025: Uganda Martyrs March On Despite Nkumba Setback as Quarter-Finals Beckon
By Kayiira Jackson
Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) secured a place in the quarter-finals of the AUUS Games, football championship despite suffering a 2–0 defeat to Nkumba University, as the group stage concluded in high drama on Sunday.
The Martyrs went into their second last group fixture knowing only a positive result would guarantee smooth passage, but they were undone by a clinical Nkumba side inspired by Abbey Kavuma who struck in the 13th and 50th minutes. UMU battled back but could not overturn the deficit.
However, results elsewhere swung in UMU’s favour, allowing the Nkozi-based side to progress among the top eight and keep their title ambitions alive heading into the knockout phase. The side came in the last group stage fixture very determined and thumped Soroti University 6-0 thanks to strikes from Yiga Steven, a double brace from Jjonga Nicholas and Kidega Godfrey, Emayu Calvin also went on the score sheet.
Across the other venues, the final round of group matches produced goals and decisive outcomes. St Lawrence University delivered the performance of the day with an emphatic 8–1 rout of ISBAT University, highlighted by hat-tricks from Ivan James Okello and Mugerwa Lawrence, while Ronnie Ziraba added a brace.
Kampala University (KU) edged Bugema University 1–0, courtesy of Paul Busolo’s 53rd-minute strike, a result that sealed Bugema’s early exit. The former finalists endured a difficult campaign in a tough “group of death,” managing only three points from four matches.
Uganda Christian University (UCU) also did just enough to progress, claiming a narrow 1–0 victory over Bugema University, with Peter Kyomuhendo netting the decisive goal in the 62nd minute, he had a spectacular free kick for 25 yards.
Elsewhere, Makerere University secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over Nkumba University, MUBS edged Bishop Stuart University by the same scoreline, and Kyambogo University defeated Soroti University 2–0. IUIU also picked up a vital 2–1 victory over Lira University, while Lira and KIU settled for a 1–1 draw.
At the close of the group stage, Uganda Martyrs University, Nkumba University, Kampala University, UCU, MUBS, St Lawrence University, IUIU and Makerere University emerged as the eight teams qualified for the quarter-finals.
With the group stage now complete, attention shifts to the quarter-finals scheduled for tomorrow, where Uganda Martyrs will look to respond strongly and reassert their credentials in the chase for silverware.