KIU Targets Winning Start Against ISBAT in University Football League

By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Main Campus— Kampala International University (KIU) will begin its 2026-27 University Football League campaign Wednesday October 28,2026 with a Group B encounter against ISBAT University at the Yes Centre in Nsambya. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.

The Giraffes enter the new campaign determined to improve on last season's performance, with captain Emmanuel Okiror expressing confidence in the team's readiness to compete for a place in the quarterfinals.

The opening fixture presents an early opportunity for KIU to set the tone for what promises to be a demanding group-stage campaign.

Group B features 11 universities: Muteesa I Royal University, Bishop Stuart University, Mountains of the Moon University, Kabale University, St. Lawrence University, Nkumba University, Makerere University, KIU, ISBAT University, Bugema University and the International University of East Africa.

The group is particularly competitive, featuring three former champions, defending champions Muteesa I Royal University, Makerere University and Nkumba University. This raises the stakes for every fixture.

Under the competition format, each university will play six group-stage matches, comprising three home and three away fixtures. The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the quarterfinals, alongside the two best third-place finishers.

Despite the challenge ahead, Okiror believes the Giraffes have prepared sufficiently to make their mark this season.

“We thank God for how far He has brought us up to this date. We thank the technical team and the coaches because I believe we're set enough to compete this season,” Okiror said.

“The players are in good shape, ready to battle and compete,” he added.

The captain also emphasized the importance of securing maximum points in the opening fixture, noting that a victory would provide the team with valuable momentum as it pursues a better season.

“I'm set and ready personally. I believe with the efforts of the whole team, we're getting three points tomorrow,” Okiror said. “A win will be very important for us, especially as we look forward to a better season.”

With preparations complete, the Giraffes will now turn their attention to the pitch, hoping to translate their confidence into a winning performance against ISBAT and lay a strong foundation for their 2026-27 campaign.

KIU Giraffes' Confirmed Squad for the 2026-27 Season

The university has confirmed the following players for the campaign:

Goalkeepers
1. Francis Matovu
2. Henry Ekisa
3. Zubairi Masai

Defenders
4. Emmanuel Okiror
5. Owen Murua Geria
6. Michael Kitaganda
7. Bruno Seguya
8. Jonathan Kato
9. Emmanuel Lumu
10. Mark Emmanuel Odongo

Midfielders
11. Emmanuel Ocokan
12. Alex Ssebulime
13. Nathan Acedia
14. Maurice Kakooza
15. Francis Kakooza
16. Samuel Gwalu
17. Moses Muganda
18. Douglas Afe Yiko
19. Kenneth Mukwanya

Attackers
20. Isaac Musasizi
21. Arafat Hanan Doka
22. Edwin Wokoli
23. Ramathan Mbajjo
24. Simon Peter Okello
25. Ryan Sulaiman
26. Allan Semanda
27. David Ogwok