AUUS Games 2025: Kampala University Eliminates Defending Champions, Books a Semifinal Meeting with the Hosts UCU
By Kayiira Jackson
Semifinal Fixtures:
Kampala University vs Uganda Christian University
IUIU vs Makerere University
Kampala University (KU) and Uganda Christian University (UCU) took centre stage on Day Four of the 2025 Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games, booking semi-final places after hard-fought quarter-final victories in Mukono.
Kampala University kept their title dream alive with a dramatic penalty shootout win over defending champions Uganda Martyrs University (UMU).
The contest ended 1–1 in normal time, with UMU taking the lead early in the second half through Calvin Peter Emayu. KU, however, showed resilience, restoring parity five minutes from full time courtesy of Gilbert Wanume. The tie went to spot kicks, where KU held their nerve to triumph 6–5 and advance.
Uganda Christian University, meanwhile, delivered a clinical second-half display to overcome Nkumba University 2–0. After a tight opening half, UCU finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute through Isaac Apenyu. Reagan Ssekisambu sealed the win in stoppage time (70+3), confirming UCU’s progression to the last four and reinforcing their status as strong contenders despite entering the knockout phase as one of the best runners-up.
In the day’s other quarter-final encounters, Makerere University edged Makerere University Business School (MUBS) by a solitary goal, Kevin Ssekimbega converting a first-half penalty. Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) also booked a semi-final ticket after knocking out St Lawrence University on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time, ending St Lawrence’s perfect run from the group stages.
With the quarter-finals concluded, focus now turns to the semi-finals scheduled for the afternoon, as KU and UCU look to carry their momentum forward in the business end of the AUUS Games 2025.
Quarter-final Results (Day Four – AUUS Games 2025):
Nkumba University 0–2 Uganda Christian University
Uganda Martyrs University 1–1 Kampala University (KU won 6–5 on penalties)
Makerere University Business School 0–1 Makerere University
St Lawrence University 0–0 Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU won 5–4 on penalties)