By Ian Asabo 

The 2024/2025 University Football League season is upon us after the off season with 23 teams eyeing the prize of top team in the nation.

Before the competition kicks off at Uganda Christian University on 17th September as the Cardinals face St. Lawrence University. 

Our 2bobsports team has come up with the pre tournament power rankings. 

1.Nkumba University 

Defending champions, Nkumba University find themselves in 1st place by default having won their first championship last season. 

The “Beach boys” will be looking to become the first side to go back to back since MUBS in 2014 and 2015 

They find themselves in Group A alongside Busitema University, IUIU and ISBAT University. 

2. Uganda Christian University 

Runners up from last season, UCU have to pick themselves up from the disappointment of finishing 2nd as they gear up for yet another season.

The 2019 champions find themselves depleted after more than six players left the team after graduation and find themselves in ‘partial’ rebuild mode.

The Mukono based side are in Group C alongside Kabale University, St. Lawrence University and YMCA.

3. Kampala University 

2013 and 2016 champions, Kampala University head into the 2024/2025 season looking to go one better and reach another final.

Disappointment of losing to eventual champions Nkumba University will still sting but they managed to clinch a third place finish after defeating MUBS 2-1.

The ‘originals’ are in Group D alongside Gulu University, Bugema University and Kampala International University. 

4. Makerere University Business School 

In what had become a story of so near and yet so far for MUBS after consecutive semi final exits leaves a bitter taste in Nakawa.

Looking to win their first title since 2015, they must first break that jinx and make it back to the final.

They are expected to get maximum points in their 3 team Group against Muteesa 1 and Makerere University of Science and Technology. 

5. Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi

Two time champions and winners of the last edition before last, UMU look to bounce back this season and claim a 3rd trophy.

A last minute dagger by eventual champions, Nkumba University sent the saints packing in last year’s quarter finals.

Recent pedigree has them still in the top 5 of our rankings as they are expected to go deep into the competition this year.

They are in a relatively comfortable group E comprising of MUNI, International University of East Africa and University of Kisubi.