After weeks of growing discontent from clubs and supporters, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has bowed to pressure and restored the Uganda Premier League to its previous format.
The decision followed an emergency meeting held on Saturday between FUFA, league administrators, and club representatives at FUFA House in Mengo. The session brought an end to mounting tension that had threatened to derail the new season.
FUFA President Moses Magogo confirmed that the governing body had reconsidered its stance after widespread criticism of the recently introduced structure.
“We have listened to the concerns raised by clubs and fans,” Magogo said. “The league will revert to the old format for this season as we continue reviewing other reforms.”
Only eleven of the sixteen top-flight clubs attended the meeting, but the consensus was clear the new system, which had disrupted match attendance and sparked boycotts, had failed to win public trust.
The controversy reached boiling point when Vipers SC, one of the country’s most decorated sides, refused to honour their fixture against Kitara FC at Namboole Stadium, citing dissatisfaction with the league reforms. Meanwhile, fans across the country continued to stay away from matches in silent protest, leaving terraces half-empty and revenue dwindling.
While FUFA maintains that other structural changes introduced this season will still be reviewed, the federation’s latest U-turn underscores how resistance from within the football fraternity has reshaped the conversation about governance and inclusivity in the game.
The return to the traditional league format is expected to calm tempers at least for now as stakeholders look ahead to a more consultative process in shaping the future of Uganda’s top-tier football.
