The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has demonstrated its willingness to listen and adapt, following the decision to suspend the new 2025–2026 Uganda Premier League (UPL) format after wide consultations with clubs, sponsors, and league administrators.
Announcing the decision at a press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo on Saturday afternoon, FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo said the federation’s Executive Committee had resolved to temporarily suspend Rules 14.4 to 14.12 of the FUFA Competition Rules 2025—effectively reverting the league to the traditional double round-robin format for the rest of the season.
The meetings, attended by key figures including FUFA 2nd Vice President Dr. Azah Taibu, CEO Edgar Watson, Executive Committee members Deo Mutabazi and Issa Magoola, UPL Board Chairman Arinaitwe Rugyendo, and Hajji Kawuulu Abdul Mwanje representing the clubs, underscored a unified commitment to dialogue and inclusivity in football reforms.
Magogo explained that the initial reforms, designed under FUFA’s 2023 Technical Master Plan to enhance professionalism, were aimed at boosting competition, reducing match-fixing risks, and increasing the commercial appeal of Uganda’s topflight league.
However, he acknowledged that the transition to the new split-league system had presented practical challenges that warranted further sensitisation.
“We have listened to the clubs, sponsors and fans, and decided to allow more time for explanation and preparation before full implementation,” Magogo stated. “Our focus remains on strengthening competitions across all levels as we build towards AFCON 2027.”
Under the revised arrangement, all matches already played in the opening phase will be retained, and the rest of the season will proceed with home-and-away fixtures — the familiar format Ugandan fans have long embraced.
FUFA also revealed plans to pilot the proposed split-league system in one of the lower divisions before revisiting its adoption at the top level.
“This position has been agreed upon by all clubs and endorsed by the FUFA Executive Committee,” Magogo affirmed. “Our goal is to sustain the league’s energy and attract fans back to the stadiums because football is about the fans.”
The FUFA President lauded all stakeholders for their understanding and patience, describing the decision as a sign of maturity and responsiveness within the federation’s leadership.
