ONE FINAL. ONE SHIELD. A NEW HOME.
TY Omujuma and FC Machando battle for the Season 16 crown as the Ntare Lions League finally comes home to The Den.
THE FINALISTS
The best defence meets the best attack on the grandest stage of the Ntare Lions League.
TY Omujuma
When it comes to dominance and consistency in the Ntare Lions League, there is no better example than TY Omujuma. The Ntare School Class of 2009–14 recently made history by becoming the first NLL side to reach four consecutive finals—a remarkable feat made even more impressive by the fact that they concluded the season undefeated and without conceding a single goal.
TY Omujuma goalkeeper Melvin Lotus and defender Kagezi Noel, who also doubles as the team’s captain, were both named to the three-man shortlist for the recently concluded season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Their nominations are a testament to the integral role they played in keeping their goal locked down throughout the season.
They achieved this on the back of an impressive, trophy-winning campaign last year in Fort Portal, where they lifted the shield for the first time and became the 10th NLL side to be crowned champions. While many expected a “champions’ hangover,” TY Omujuma clearly had other plans.
Pictorial: Ty OMujuma Squad
What lies ahead for them?
With unprecedented milestones already under their belt, TY Omujuma can set another historic record with a win in Saturday’s final. They have the chance to become the first and only team to win the Lions League shield in back-to-back seasons.
However, a loss would mean tying a record they are desperate to avoid: joining Abazibu and Ebicuncu as the teams with the most NLL final losses, with three apiece.
FC Machando
On the other side of the pitch, FC Machando became the 13th Ntare Lions League team to earn a shot at the ultimate prize. The Ntare School Class of 2004–09 has shown immense patience and a resilient, never-give-up spirit over the years, having narrowly missed out on the final in each of the past three seasons.
Unsurprisingly, league data from the past four seasons ranks them as the second-most consistent team, behind only TY Omujuma, having been regulars in the 3rd/4th-place play-off games at recent finales.
Pictorial: Machando FC Team
Their electric attack has been pivotal to their qualification this year. They were the highest-scoring team in the league last season, netting 43 times in 19 games. Their talismanic striker, Oshaba Marvin, who plays professionally for Maroons FC, was also nominated for the season’s MVP award.
This follows his recent MVP-winning performance in the Ankole Cup, a tournament he helped his side win after scoring twice in the final.
Machando could now become just the 11th side to engrave its name on the iconic Ntare Lions League shield and the sixth to do so on its very first final appearance.
PAST MEETINGS
The two sides have met eight times in the regular league, with TY Omujuma emerging victorious on five occasions, drawing once and losing twice.
They have also faced off in the Crichton Cup final before where TY Omujuma outclassed them opponents in a dominant 4–0 victory.
Will TY Omujuma’s historic pedigree in this fixture guide them to a record-setting, back-to-back title, or will Machando’s explosive attack finally dismantle TY Omujuma’s impenetrable defence on the grandest stage of all?
THE LONG-AWAITED HOMECOMING
After 15 seasons of operating as a nomadic competition, the Ntare Lions League (NLL) is set to officially inaugurate its brand-new permanent home and the first of its kind “The Den” in Kasangati this Saturday, at the climax of the highly anticipated Season 16 Grand Finale.
For years, the league has served as far more than a standard football tournament; it is a weekly and seasonal pilgrimage celebrating alumni brotherhood, passion and culture. Yet, for over a decade, the NLL carried its vibrant spirit across rented turf.
Kings Park Arena, Kampala
From its initial iterations at UICT to stints at Kyadondo, Namboole, Gems Cambridge, Kings Park Arena, Kampala Quality and the Luzira Prison Grounds, the league grew exponentially despite the logistical hurdles of setting up temporary structures and sponsor tents every weekend.
The league’s quest for a permanent address has also seen its finales hosted nationally and internationally from Kampala to Mbarara, across the waters of Jinja, into Kigali, Rwanda, and beneath the peaks of Fort Portal. Every city has added a unique chapter to the NLL story, demonstrating the vast reach of the fraternity.
IPRC Stadium, Kigali
Driven by explosive growth from four original teams to a robust 21-team roster, the league eventually outgrew the capacity of rented venues. What once seemed like a distant dream has now materialised into tangible blueprints, brought to life through dedicated alumni mobilisation, strategic partnerships and the relentless administrative efforts of the Ntare School Old Boys fraternity.
Ahead of the final whistle this weekend, league leadership and partners will officially break ground for the future NLL Home Ground. The development is expected to eliminate the persistent logistical hurdles brought about by the league’s nomadic history.
Kampala Quality
The new sanctuary is designed to feature a state-of-the-art pitch and modern amenities tailored to serve generations of Lions to come.
This Saturday’s groundbreaking ceremony sets the stage for immediate competitive glory. The Grand Finale features a heavyweight clash between Machando FC and TY Omujuma.
As these two powerhouses meet on the threshold of a new era, both sides have a historic opportunity to have their names permanently engraved in NLL history as the first champions crowned at the league’s true home.
T.Timo Writes.
The merchants who built a movement.
Machando FC: The Merchants of the Ntare Lions League.
In the dynamic and fiercely competitive Ntare Lions League (NLL), few teams capture the essence of tradition, ambition, and unbreakable brotherhood like Machando FC a squad composed of Ntare School alumni from the Class of 2009. Affectionately known as The Merchants, Machando has forged a remarkable decade-long legacy, marked by entrepreneurial spirit, disciplined gameplay, and a profound commitment to unity, both on the pitch and in the broader networks that define the NLL.
A Legacy Rooted in Heritage and Networking
The name “Machando” draws from Ntare School slang for “merchandise,” a nod to the resourceful students who once traded everything from pens and shoes to basins and desks in the nearby Kajogo area. This moniker encapsulates the team’s innovative mindset, tireless work ethic, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities, qualities that resonate deeply with the NLL’s core value of networking.
Since entering the league in Season 3, Machando FC has been a perennial powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top contenders across more than ten seasons. Their emphasis on cohesion, strategic teamwork, and tactical precision has not only garnered respect from fans and opponents but also exemplified the league’s spirit of building lasting connections.
A crowning achievement came in Season 15, when Machando proudly claimed the Networking Award, recognizing their exceptional efforts in fostering professional relationships, mentorship, and community ties within the NLL ecosystem.
Extending their influence beyond the NLL, Machando represented Ntare Lions League in the inaugural Pepsi Schools Alumni Champions League in 2023, advancing to the final in a tense showdown against Chaapa’s Chwezi. Though they fell short in a penalty shootout after a gritty 0-0 draw, their performance highlighted individual brilliance such as goalkeeper Emmanuel Nkurunungi’s heroics, earning him Best Goalkeeper honors and strengthened inter-alumni networks across schools. In recognition of their contributions and achievements, Machando was exempted from paying league fees for two seasons, allowing them to focus on growth and further networking initiatives.
Key Players Driving Success
Machando’s triumphs are fueled by a dedicated core of leaders who inspire both teammates and the next generation. Standout figures include Jonathan Mwesigwa, Male Tony, Julius Muhwezi, Isaac Poki Niwajuna, Albert Karuhanga, Twino Rodgers, Timothy Ahabwe, Nelly, Bet Beta, (Kante), Charles ‘Akiiki’ Twesigye, and Moses Asiimwe players whose names are synonymous with reliability, collaboration, and the indomitable Machando ethos. These individuals not only excel on the field but also embody the networking prowess that strengthens the team’s bonds and extends the NLL’s reach.
Strategic Sponsorships Empowering Growth and Connections
As the new season approaches, Machando FC has secured transformative sponsorships that align seamlessly with their values of excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Leading the charge is Gratus Consults Limited, a Ntinda-based real estate firm specializing in seamless property transactions across Uganda. In an announcement shared on X, the club expressed enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Machando FC is thrilled to announce Gratus Consults Electric as the principal sponsor for the upcoming season.”
Gratus Director Julius Muhwezi highlighted the synergy, stating, “We could have pursued a league-wide deal, but true passion resides in the teams. People connect with teams and players. Partnering with Machando allows us to tap into that authentic spirit, representing both the fans and the league’s vibrant community.” This collaboration enhances Machando’s networking initiatives, enabling stronger ties within Uganda’s business and real estate sectors.
Complementing this is co-sponsor Linqsoft Aluminium Systems a premier manufacturer of premium aluminium doors, windows, and façade solutions. Their focus on cutting-edge craftsmanship mirrors Machando’s pursuit of perfection, while bolstering the team’s professional network through shared commitments to quality and innovation. These partnerships mark a pivotal step forward, providing resources for on-field dominance and off-field networking events that embody the NLL’s mission of forging enduring professional alliances.
Beyond the Pitch: A Symbol of Enterprise and Camaraderie
Machando FC transcends football, serving as a beacon of entrepreneurial drive and fellowship, the hallmarks of the Ntare School legacy and the NLL’s networking foundation. Through stellar performances, distinctive branding, and a devoted fan base, they uphold the league’s ethos of brotherhood, passion, and excellence. The team’s pride is further evident in their iconic black jersey, “The Atlas,” unveiled in Season 12 and crafted by Avarc Sports. Featuring an intricate map of Ntare School and its trade routes to Kajogo, this design blends historical significance with modern style, earning Machando two nominations for the Best Dressed Team award and sparking conversations that enhance networking among alumni and supporters.
As Machando gears up for another exhilarating season, their story remains one of inspiration: not merely a football club, but a dynamic movement. With robust partnerships, unyielding unity, and a heritage steeped in resilience and connectivity, The Merchants are ready to continue “trading” in victories while strengthening the networks that make the Ntare Lions League thrive.
