Ugandan football is bracing for a defining moment as the tug-of-war between FUFA and Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs over the proposed new competition format intensifies. What began as routine consultations has now escalated into a battle of principle, with both sides standing firm on their positions.
At the centre of the storm is FUFA’s push to overhaul the top-flight structure beginning with the 2025/26 season, a move the federation insists is necessary for modernising domestic football. Clubs, however, view the reforms as rushed and dismissive of a system that has anchored the league for over five decades.
In release issued to clubs, FUFA has tabled two stark options: either the clubs adopt the new format and receive access to the Shs 3.4 billion FUFA Competitions Development Fund (FDCF), or reject it and watch those resources flow into the FUFA Big League for the next three seasons.
The ultimatum has only sharpened resistance. “If the reforms are truly for the good of the game, why not invest the money in the current format until all stakeholders are satisfied?” questioned Vipers SC president Lawrence Mulindwa, who has emerged as the clubs’ leading voice during Tuesday’s meeting on Serena Hotel
Although consensus was reached on other matters—such as gate collections, player registration, and double headers—the format remains a red line. Clubs argue that FUFA’s hard stance undermines trust and risks destabilizing the top tier.
Behind the figures, the stakes are high. According to the FDCF plan, clubs would benefit from insurance cover for players, prize money, marketing support, locker-room bonuses, and direct cash contributions estimated at not more than Shs 80 million per season per club. FUFA would also allocate a significant share to player insurance and match-day bonuses.
With a September 8 deadline set for clubs to submit their positions in writing, the coming days could decide the trajectory of Ugandan club football. The question is whether compromise can be found—or if the league will enter a new era under protest.
