Ali Lutwama’s influence over the 2025/26 University Football League season was emphatic, and fittingly, the Muteesa I Royal University captain emerged as the standout figure at the league’s awards gala held at Kati Kati, Lugogo, on Monday.
Capping a campaign defined by authority and consistency, Lutwama secured a remarkable treble of individual honours—Most Valuable Player, Best Midfielder, and Top Assister—after orchestrating Muteesa’s surge to a historic maiden league title.
His leadership and technical excellence set the tone for a side that wrote its name into the competition’s history.
Operating at the heart of midfield, Lutwama delivered both creativity and end product, registering four goals and four assists across nine appearances.
His all-round performances also earned him a deserved place in the Team of the Season, underlining his central role in one of the most memorable campaigns in recent UFL history.
Muteesa I Royal University’s crowning moment arrived with a narrow but decisive 1-0 victory over YMCA Comprehensive Institute in the final at Nakivubo Stadium—a result that sealed their first-ever league triumph.
The success extended beyond the pitch, with head coach George Williams Ssengabi recognised as Coach of the Season for expertly guiding the team to glory.
While Lutwama’s dominance headlined the evening, several other standout performers were duly acknowledged.
YMCA’s Kevin Ssenabulya claimed the Best Goalkeeper award, St. Lawrence University’s Vincent Agaku was named Best Defender, and Uganda Martyrs University’s Ronald Obedgiu finished as the league’s top scorer.
Emerging talent was also celebrated, with David Aheebwa of Mountains of the Moon University taking home the Best New Player accolade.
Kumi University’s Stephen Onyait earned recognition as Best Sports Tutor, while Brian Katete’s spectacular strike for MUBS against St. Lawrence University was voted Goal of the Season.
The ceremony drew key figures from university sports administration, including Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) president George Wagogo, vice president Sam Lukaire, general secretary Patrick Ssebuliba, and Commissioner for Physical Education Sammy Odong, representing the Ministry of Education and Sports.
On the final standings, Muteesa I Royal University finished champions, with YMCA Comprehensive Institute settling for second place, while Kampala University secured third after overcoming St. Lawrence University in the playoff.
From its modest beginnings in 2012 as a Super Six competition, the University Football League has evolved into a flagship event on Uganda’s university sports calendar. As the latest season closed, it was Lutwama’s commanding presence that defined the narrative—driving Muteesa I Royal University to a landmark triumph and etching his name among the competition’s elite.
Best XI of the Season
Kevin Ssenabulya (GK) – YMCA
Twaha Bukenya – Muteesa I Royal
Ambrose Anyaka – Ndejje University
Vincent Agaku – St. Lawrence University
Jude Asiku – YMCA
David Okema – Kampala University
Gideon Nsubuga – Kampala University
Ali Lutwama – Muteesa I Royal University
Ronald Obedgiu – Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi
David Aheebwa – Mountains of the Moon University
Joel Olupot – Ndejje University
