Pepsi UFL: Africa Renewal University Runs Out of Winless Family with victory over Muni
By Kayiira Jackson
Africa Renewal University registered their first-ever victory in the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) after defeating Muni University 2-0 on Wednesday, October 29, 2026.
Under the stewardship of new head coach Timothy Onyango and team manager Edward Ssekajugo, the Buloba-based side secured a memorable win courtesy of a first-half penalty from Jimmy Bazanye and a late strike by Juma Kakaire.
The hosts started brightly, with Kakaire coming close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute when he raced past his marker and connected with Lubega’s through ball, only for his effort to hit the low post.
Africa Renewal continued to threaten, and Musa Lubega rattled the crossbar in the 12th minute after meeting Desmond Omara’s cross from the right flank.
Muni gradually grew into the contest, with Desire Oparwoth forcing his way into the hosts’ defensive area before Kakaire intervened to avert the danger in the 22nd minute.
Goalkeeper Sabir Given was also called into action in the 28th minute, producing a brilliant diving save to parry Joel Mukiibi’s powerful effort from outside the box.
However, Africa Renewal’s persistence paid off in the 34th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Bazanye stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.
Muni returned from the interval determined to find an equaliser, but Oparwoth squandered a promising opportunity in the 53rd minute after being set up by Mugisha, firing wide instead of applying a more measured finish.
Africa Renewal nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later when Mukiibi released Bazanye on a counterattack, but the forward blasted his effort wide.
The visitors enjoyed considerable possession as the match progressed, but their poor finishing continued to undermine their efforts.
Oparwoth came close to restoring parity in the 75th minute, only for goalkeeper Mayinja Dirisa to produce an important save from close range.
With Muni pushing for an equaliser, Africa Renewal remained disciplined defensively, clearing danger from their penalty area as they sought to protect their slender advantage.
Their resistance was rewarded in the 89th minute when Kakaire put the result beyond doubt, tapping home Mayinja’s long ball to seal a 2-0 victory.
The result marks a significant milestone for Africa Renewal University, who had endured a difficult start to their UFL campaign following their introduction to the competition in the 2025/26 season.
The victory also provides a promising start for the new technical leadership as the Buloba-based institution seeks to establish itself among Uganda’s university football sides.