In a thrilling culmination to the 2024/25 FUFA Big League, Calvary FC sealed promotion to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League with a tense 1–0 victory over regional rivals Paidha Black Angels in the West Nile Derby at Midigo Primary School on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute, when defender Steven Oriokot headed home the winner, sending the Yumbe-based side wild with celebration despite persistent rain disrupting play.
That pivotal goal secured 52 points, crowning Calvary as champions of the Big League and clinching automatic promotion. Gaddafi FC and Buhimba United Saints followed closely with 50 points each, rounding out the promotion spots.
Calvary now becomes the sixth club from the West Nile region to reach Uganda’s top flight, joining the ranks of Onduparaka, Arua Hill, Paidha Black Angels, Ediofe Hills, and Arua Central.
Head coach Simon Otim expressed immense pride:
“This is a moment my boys and I have been yearning for all these years. Staying in the Big League for four seasons shows resilience”.
Founded in 2008 as a youth and church initiative, Calvary steadily progressed through Uganda’s football tiers, district divisions, regional leagues, and finally entering the Big League in 2020. This promotion marks their first-ever entry into the Premier League.