Vipers SC president Lawrence Mulindwa has emerged as the figurehead of Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs in their standoff with FUFA, warning that any reforms to the competition must put clubs and the growth of football at the centre.
After meeting FUFA officials led by president Moses Magogo at Serena Hotel in Kampala yesterday, Mulindwa revealed that club bosses had presented a united front against the federation’s plan to overhaul the league structure starting with the 2025/26 season. They plan to meet again next week on Tuesday to reach an agreement.
FUFA wants to replace the long-standing round-robin format with a three-round league system. But Mulindwa, speaking on behalf of 13 club presidents and chairmen, questioned the logic of tinkering with a model he insists has been both fair and sustainable.
“What we cannot accept is being ambushed,” he argued. “FUFA announced the new format by circular without consulting us. That was unfair. Clubs already have binding agreements with sponsors, broadcasters, and fans. Our budgets are set, and such changes would trigger unplanned costs.”
Mulindwa stressed that the clubs’ discontent was not about resisting change but about protecting the game’s integrity:
“The old format has not failed us. We are speaking with one voice. FUFA has a position, we have ours, and we trust that the next meeting will find a balanced solution.”
The show of unity saw SC Villa president Omar Mandela, NEC FC chairman Brian Buhanda, KCCA chairman Andrew Sserunjogi, former Kitara president Deo Kasozi, Mbarara City’s Mwine Mpaka, Lugazi’s Kawuulu Mwanje, and Police FC’s Timothy Halango all join Mulindwa in rejecting the rushed reforms.
Magogo, however, downplayed tensions, describing the dialogue as a step forward:
“We had a fruitful engagement, addressed several issues, and agreed on many points. The only pending matter is the league format. When we meet again next Tuesday, we shall decide whether to proceed with the proposed system or not.”
FUFA’s high-powered delegation included CEO Edgar Watson, first vice president Justus Mugisha, competitions director Aisha Nalule, and third vice president Florence Nakiwala.
The showdown on Tuesday is expected to determine whether Uganda’s topflight keeps its familiar face—or takes on a new, contested identity.
