The 2026 FUFA Juniors League kicked off in thrilling fashion on Saturday as several teams made strong opening statements while others settled for draws in a goal-filled Matchday One.
Young talents from across the country took centre stage as eight fixtures were played, producing exciting football and early indicators of teams that could shape the season.
At Bombo Military Barracks, the UPDF FC Junior Team began their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Maroons FC Junior Team. Marvin Lubega opened the scoring before John Collins Wabwaayi sealed the win to hand the army side all three points on the opening day.
Elsewhere, Buhimba United Saints FC Junior Team edged Calvary FC Junior Team 1-0 thanks to Raymond Dony’s decisive strike, ensuring a positive start for the Hoima-based youngsters.
The encounter between URA FC Junior Team and NEC FC Junior Team at Hormisdalen in Gayaza ended in a 1-1 draw. URA captain and defender Jok Ali scored deep into stoppage time to cancel out Arafat Ibanda’s earlier goal in a tightly contested match.
Vipers SC Junior Team also began their campaign on a high with a 2-0 away victory over BUL FC Junior Team. Ashiraf Kyakuwa broke the deadlock before James Ssekate added the second to secure maximum points for the Venoms’ youngsters.
Entebbe UPPC FC Junior Team delivered another strong performance as they defeated Mbarara City FC Junior Team 2-0. Bashir Kabagambe scored both goals to guide the hosts to a convincing opening victory.
One of the most entertaining matches of the day came between Express FC Junior Team and Police FC Junior Team, who played out a dramatic 2-2 draw. Abdul Shakur Babi and Marvin Batte scored for Express, while Morgan Niwagaba and Eric Wanyama found the net for Police in an evenly balanced contest.
KCCA FC Soccer Academy registered a valuable 2-1 away victory over Kitara FC Junior Team. Ismail Fahad and Felix Munguestoni scored for KCCA after Isaiah Amuheirwe had given Kitara the early lead.
The most dramatic match of the round saw Lugazi FC Junior Team edge SC Villa Junior Team 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Abdul Razak Iradukunda and Zufar Mbalangu scored for Lugazi while SC Villa’s goals came from Ibra Mubiru and Daniel Onyango.
