Pepsi UFL: Post-Nyanzi Meddie Cry Begins at Bugema as Tony Mawejje’s Royal Lions Send a strong Warning

By Kayiira Jackson 

Muteesa I Royal University made a winning start to their title defence in the Pepsi University Football League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Bugema University at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday.

New signing Shabir Lubega, Erick Katende and substitute Sam Mutambo scored for the reigning champions, handing head coach Tony Mawejje a perfect start to his tenure.

The opening fixture was graced by Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education and Sports, who attended as the chief guest alongside officials from the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS).

Muteesa took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Lubega calmly converted a cutback from Ivan Ochan in the 45th minute plus one to give the visitors a slender advantage at the break.

Despite going into halftime ahead, the Royal Lions struggled to dominate possession and distribute the ball effectively compared to their hosts. However, Bugema failed to translate their spells of possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Mawejje’s charges returned for the second half with renewed energy and doubled their advantage just four minutes after the restart.

Katende reacted quickest to a rebound after Bugema’s defence failed to clear the danger, putting Muteesa firmly in control of the contest.

The champions then took command of proceedings, delighting their travelling supporters from Masaka and Mengo Kakeeka.

Substitute Mutambo sealed the victory in the 61st minute with a well-taken strike following a counterattack down the right flank.

The midfielder continued his impressive scoring association with Hamz Stadium, having previously netted the decisive goal for Muteesa in the 2025/26 final against YMCA.

The result not only gave Mawejje a dream start as head coach but also ended Bugema’s unbeaten run against the Masaka-based university.

“Some faces are new to me, and I am trying to learn them,” Mawejje said after the match. “But they followed the instructions, played the ball well, and I believe they will improve more and more because the target is to defend the trophy.”

For Bugema, the defeat was a disappointing start under new tactician Andrew Mugagga, who took over from long-serving coach Nyanzi Meddie.

Although concerned by the three goals conceded on ‘home territory’,Mugagga remained optimistic about his team’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

“The margin of the goals is a bit worrying, but the boys played a good game. We were not clinical and sharp in front of goal, so this coming week we are going to work on shooting to see that we bounce back,” Mugagga said.

“I am still confident that we shall make it out of the group.”

The Pepsi University Football League is organised by the Association of Uganda University Sports and sponsored by Crown Beverages Limited under its Pepsi brand.

The competition resumes on Friday in Nsangi, where newcomers University of World Mission Frontier will host two-time champions Makerere University Business School (MUBS).

Team Line Ups:

Bugema University XI: Nasser Kalulu (G.K), Lambert Nyakusinga, Bashir Kasibante, Coneliou Wasimera, Chrispus Juuko, Mathew Casemiro Bebe, Innocent Tumuhisibise, Kamulungi Nuwagaba, Joseph Male, Patrick Nuwatuha, Andrew Ssenyonga

Subs: Fred Ochen, Keagan Mulyanti, Moses Kakooza, Emmanuel Kidawalime, Edward Mutebi, Derrick Musinguzi, Jonah Mwandah

Team Official:

Head coach: Andrew Mugagga
Assistant coach: Paul Yiga
Team doctor: Alex Yiga
Team manager: Joshua Kiyimba
Official: Faustine Kiwa
Mutesa 1 Royal University XI: Joram Kayanja, Twaha Malala Bukenya, Martin Mutebi, Hamidu Suna, Shafick Ssentongo, Ali Lutwama, Ivan Ochan, Gideon Ssemaganda, Shabir Lubega, Nicholas Ssenyonjo, Erick Katende

Subs: Ivan Ssemukasa, Ibrahim Mutebi, Gerald Ssempeebwa, Sam Mutambo, Emmanuel Kirunda, Alex Kizza, Joel Kyeyune

Officials:

Head coach: Tonny Mawejje
Assistant coach: Peter Sibo
Team doctor: Fahad Ssebagala
Team manager: Henry Lutaaya
Official: Charles Lutaaya