TY Omujuma have become the first team in Ntare Lions League (NLL) history to successfully defend the league title after overcoming Machando FC in a dramatic penalty shootout on Saturday.

The champions were crowned at the end of a tense final that ended goalless after regulation time, with Omujuma eventually prevailing 6-5 on penalties to retain the Ntare Lions League shield.

The decisive moment came from Abaho Joseph Pedro, popularly known as Pedro Jose, who converted the winning penalty to spark celebrations as Omujuma secured their second consecutive NLL championship.

But the foundation for the victory had been laid by goalkeeper Mugerwa Brian Paul (MBP), who produced a remarkable performance in the shootout, saving four penalties to keep Omujuma in contention and ultimately set up their historic triumph.

 

Omujuma’s heroic penalty shootout goal keeper – MBP

The victory means TY Omujuma have now successfully defended the title they won in Fort Portal last season, where the trophy was presented to them by the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Their latest triumph gives them a unique place in the competition’s history, making them the only NLL side to have successfully defended the championship.

The achievement was made even more remarkable by Omujuma’s defensive record throughout the season. Their goalkeeper, Lotus Melvin, finished the campaign unbeaten and without conceding a single goal, earning him the Golden Glove award.

While Omujuma dominated the headlines, individual honours were also handed out to players who stood out during the season.

TY Omujuma fans at the final.

Machando FC forward Marvin Oshaba was named Season MVP after playing a key role in guiding his side to the final.

Abashweki’s Aine Derrick claimed the Top Scorer award after finishing the campaign with 17 goals, while teammate Powell Tugeineyo was recognised as the league’s Best Play Maker, having registered a season-high nine assists.

For Machando, the defeat marked a painful end to a campaign that had taken them all the way to the final. For Omujuma, however, it capped a remarkable season and confirmed their status as the league’s first back-to-back champions.

Omujuma and Machando in action.

From a goalless final to a penalty shootout thriller, Omujuma’s latest triumph was built on composure, resilience and an extraordinary defensive record — qualities that have now delivered the club a second successive Ntare Lions League crown and a place in NLL history.