However, head coach Eric Kisuze is uncertain about defending the trophy after learning about his side's 2023 group-stage opponents.
Defending a title takes a lot of effort, as some teams that have previously won the World Cup have struggled in the following edition, which is a good testament.
Uganda Martyrs University were crowned the 2022 University Football League champions after edging St. Lawrence University at Lugogo in November 2022.
However, head coach Eric Kisuze is uncertain about defending the trophy after learning about his side's 2023 group-stage opponents.
“It is hard all over the world for a team to defend the title, but we are honoured to be the defending champions,” Kisuze said before adding in an interview with Pulse Sports.
“This is a new season, and every team has different ambitions, but everyone else's target will be to beat us.”
“Being the team to beat makes it a difficult tournament for us already before we even start playing,” he added.
The Nkozi-based institution is pooled in Group A alongside Bugema University, Kabale University, and the University of Kisubi.
An insight into Group A and how all the teams have previously performed at the competition leaves UMU as the favourite side to top the group.
Kisuze noted: “It is not a difficult group on paper, but we shall not judge our opponents off the pitch, and this calls for preparations straight away so that we can be ready to start playing.”
UMU is a two-time champion of the UFL. Besides the 2022 trophy, they also won it in 2017.
Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is the only team that has managed to defend the UFL title. After winning it in 2014, they also clinched it in 2015.
ISBAT University has joined the UFL, while Kampala International University is also back in the competition.
The 11th edition of the UFL gets underway on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023.
The 2023 UFL Groups
Group A: Kabale, Bugema, Uganda Martyrs, Kisubi
Group B: IUIU, MUBS, Victoria, YMCA
Group C: Muni, Kyambogo, Makerere, Ndejje
Group D: Mbarara, Kampala, Bishop Stuart, ISBAT
Group E: Kumi, Busitema, KIU, UCU
Group F: Gulu, St. Lawrence, IUEA, Nkumba
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