As of August 25, 2025, the Uganda Premier League (UPL) is in a state of turmoil ahead of the 2025/26 season, with major clubs rejecting proposed reforms by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA). The previous 2024/25 season concluded in May 2025, with Vipers SC clinching their seventh title. Preparations for the new campaign, including the round one draw held on August 25, have been overshadowed by widespread opposition, threats of boycotts, and unresolved issues like unpaid prize money from last season. Below is a comprehensive breakdown based on recent developments, suitable for reporting.
Key Controversy: Proposed New League Format and Club Rejections
FUFA announced sweeping changes to the league structure and regulations on August 20, 2025, aiming to “reshape Ugandan football” starting from the 2025/26 season. The reforms include:
Three-phase format: The league shifts from the traditional 16-team home-and-away setup. Points are reset in later stages, which critics argue devalues early-season performances and undermines sporting integrity.
Revenue sharing: Home teams retain only 85% of gate receipts for single-header matches and 35% for double-headers, with the remainder going to FUFA and the UPL. This is seen as forcing clubs to subsidize FUFA operations.
Player registration rules: Players with less than two years remaining on their contracts cannot be registered, viewed as a violation of employment rights.
Mandatory data sharing: Clubs must share certain data, potentially breaching Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act (Cap 97).
These changes were introduced after consultations with some clubs, but major teams claim they were excluded from meaningful input. In response:
SC Villa and Vipers SC issued a joint statement on August 25 condemning the reforms as “unjust, irrational, and unsustainable.” They argue the changes threaten financial sustainability, disrupt sponsorships, and alienate fans.
KCCA FC followed with their own rejection shortly after.
Lugazi FC joined the resistance on August 26, expressing disappointment and calling for a potential boycott.
– Players, stakeholders, and fans have echoed these sentiments online, with hashtags like #SayNoToTheNewLeagueFormat trending. Many fear the format could encourage match-fixing due to revenue incentives for double-headers.
FUFA has not issued a public response, but their third vice president, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, described the upcoming season as a “turning point” during the draw event. Reports indicate 13 of the 16 clubs initially consented, but the holdouts from top teams could delay the season start. Fans and analysts, including former player Mujib Kasule, have labeled the reforms unfair and problem-creating.
Pre-Season Developments and Tournaments
FUFA Super 8 Tournament: Fixtures were announced on August 26, featuring eight teams in a knockout format to determine a pre-season winner. This includes matchups like Vipers SC vs. NEC FC and SC Villa vs. BUL FC. Fans are encouraged to back their sides amid the ongoing drama.
Player Transfers and Signings**: Clubs are active in the market. BUL FC signed 18-year-old striker Lawrence Kambugu, the 2024/25 FUFA Big League top scorer (15 goals), from Ntugasaze FC. He has prior UPL experience with Gaddafi FC.
Unresolved Issues from 2024/25 Season
Prize Money Delays**: Clubs remain unpaid for last season’s earnings. Champions SC Villa are owed UGX 60 million, while relegated Arua Hill awaits UGX 500,000. This has heightened frustrations amid the reform push.
(Standings sourced from end-of-season reports; no games played yet in 2025/26.)
Potential Implications
If the boycott materializes, it could halt the league’s start, originally expected in September. Talks are reportedly ongoing, but the divide between FUFA and top clubs highlights deeper governance issues in Ugandan football.
Stay tuned to Trending UG for more updates on Uganda’s political landscape and election developments.
