Fort Portal, the beating heart of Uganda’s tourism city, is gearing up for an electrifying showdown this Saturday, April 12, 2025. The Ntare Lions League (NLL) Season XV Finale is descending upon St. Leo’s College Kyegobe Grounds, and the excitement is already palpable—both among the proud Ntare School alumni and the vibrant Fort Portal community. With the stage set for an epic clash, this isn’t just a football match—it’s a celebration of heritage, rivalry, and pure, unadulterated fun.
The two teams that tussled it out in the Ntare Lions League final two years ago in Jinja will be meeting again on April 12 in Fort Portal in what promises to be a mouth-watering final that will end in premium tears for one of the sides. Kalele—a team named after the informal soccer game kids play with improvised balls and fluid rules—will be playing Omujuma—a team named after the most popular sauce served in schools with bean weevils. Even though one name suggests a group of boys who played and idolized local soccer in their childhood while the other suggests a group of boys who spent their school days daydreaming about the dining hall, both teams have actually earned their place in the final, earning the respect of the entire NLL community along the way.
The final showdown two years ago in the East saw Kalele emerge as champions. The final showdown this year is in the West, and Omujuma, having lost another final last year on foreign land, Rwanda, has a lot to play for. Set against the lush hills of the West, the scenic St. Leo’s College Kyegobe (SLECK) will host a game for the ages. As the Tooro sun dips behind the Rwenzori Mountains, Omujuma will look to rewrite their script—can they finally win in the West what they lost in the East? Will Kalele defend their crown or surrender to fate? We all wait to see.
Fort Portal, located in the Western Region of Uganda, approximately 300 kilometers west of Kampala, offers a scenic backdrop for this high-stakes match, adding a poetic layer to Omujuma’s quest for a symbolic victory at sunset. We were East. Now we head West. No matter the result, East or West, the Ntare Lions League is Best!
For the Ntare community, this finale is more than a chance to crown a champion—it’s a homecoming. The Lions League, Uganda’s premier Sunday soccer league, has been a unifying force for Ntare School’s Old Boys for 15 seasons, blending fierce competition with the joy of reconnecting. The invitation is open to all, even the grumpiest of souls, to join the party and shed their stress while reliving school-day rivalries, roaring as one pride.
Fort Portal’s community is equally hyped, ready to roll out the red carpet—or rather, the green pitch—for this epic event. Hosted by the esteemed Obukama Bwa Tooro, the finale promises to blend Ntare’s storied legacy with Tooro’s rich cultural flair. The Tooro Kingdom’s Third Deputy Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, shared his optimism about the event, noting the Kingdom’s focus on boosting tourism in 2024 through such community gatherings. Rwomiire also highlighted upcoming Kingdom projects, including the renovation of royal tombs in 2025, aiming to preserve cultural heritage alongside events like the Ntare Lions League final. Locals and visitors alike are bracing for a day where the SLECK Grounds will pulse with energy, from the opening whistle to the final, triumphant roar.
The teams are ready to bring the heat. Kalele and Omujuma have clawed their way to the top, and their showdown is dripping with derby vibes. Picture the stands: a sea of lions, roaring in unison, decked out in gear that screams pride. But it’s not all about the football. The #NLLXV Finale is a full-on experience, packed with more than just goals—think music, laughter, and that unbeatable Ntare spirit. For the Tooro community, it’s a chance to shine as hosts, welcoming over a thousand Ntare alumni and fans into their city, boosting local vibes, and making memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Meet the Pride – Teams of the NLL
- TY Omujuma (Class of 2009–2014)
Runners-up last year, finalists this year—Omujuma is on a mission. Their name might be edible, but their football is elite. Hungry for revenge, they carry the weight of two final losses and the dreams of redemption. - SC Kalele (2010–2015)
Once champs and masters of improvisation. If you played barefoot and used crushed bottles as goalposts, this team represents your roots. They blend flair with firepower—and they don’t lose easily. - Machando FC (2004–2009)
The tough uncles of the league. Tactical, composed, and seasoned. Their midfield has seen more classwork and coursework than many school departments combined. - FC Nshera (2005–2010)
Reigning Champions that have tasted a number of finals. Their organized play reflects the discipline of their school days—right down to those perfectly ironed grey shorts. This season, they were drunk – They now miss the final that would have made them the most decorated team in the league. - Ensayi (2012–2017)
Young, hungry, and dangerously fast. Ensayi are the new lions on the block with the energy of a triple-decker breakfast and zero patience for losing. - Bonshe-Kafubs (1995–2002)
The wise owls with killer boots. A legendary merger of two classes—Bonshe and Kafubs—who’ve seen it all, from “topping” to turf wars. - Kasasi (2014–2019)
Their name might not scare you, but don’t be fooled. They’re building momentum and proving that even recent alumni can pack serious punch. - Abashweki (2008–2013)
The quiet assassins. Humble but lethal. They speak softly but carry a big boot. They are 3-time champions by the way! - Abazibu (1999–2004)
These veterans bring swag and savvy to the pitch. Their through-balls are smoother than their school nicknames. - SC Jabulani (2011–2016)
Jabulani means “rejoice” and they live up to it—win or lose, they play with joy and leave the field smiling. A crowd favorite. - FC Kabali (2007–2012)
Not to be confused with the blockbuster, this team delivers its own cinematic drama on the field. Physical, determined, and unpredictable. - Enshaka (2010–2014)
Balanced and bold, Enshaka is a team that often flies under the radar but knows how to land the kill shot when it counts. - Kisyanga (2006–2011)
The wildcards. They score when you least expect it and throw away leads just as easily. Never a dull game with Kisyanga. - Nturi (2003–2008)
A team of graceful passers and elegant finishers. They play the long game, in football and in life. - Kashani (2001–2006)
Gritty and grounded, Kashani is that team you don’t notice until it’s too late and you’re 2–0 down. - Enshaza (1997–2002)
Old-school tactics, heavy touches, and the passion of legends. These guys didn’t come to run—they came to rule. - Kajogo FC (1998–2003)
Ever the underdogs, Kajogo’s heart outweighs their stats. They play for the badge, not the bragging rights. - Kachanchali (2002–2007)
Spirited and spunky. Their defense might leak like a dormitory roof, but their passion? Unmatched. - Kashoro FC (1996–2001)
Currently rebuilding, Kashoro has endured rough seasons but continues to show up, reminding us all why football is about more than just the score. - Mugudu FC (1995–2000)
No-nonsense football from Ntare’s golden oldies. They’ve seen more finals than a PLE invigilator and still believe age is just a number. - FC Bweras (Bweranyangi Girls Alumni)
The queens of the pride. In a bold and brilliant twist, FC Bweras, a ladies team—comprising old girls from Bweranyangi Girls School. They bring grace, grit, and girl power to a field traditionally dominated by the lions. Watch out—these lionesses bite!
So, whether you’re a Ntare Lion ready to relive the glory days or a Fort Portal local eager to witness history, this Saturday is your call to action. The road to Fort Portal isn’t just a trip—it’s a pilgrimage to where passion meets play. Warm up your vocal cords and join the pride. The Lions are coming, and they’re ready to roar. Are you?
The writer is an Old Boy of Ntare School
