New Era in Ugandan Football: UPL format unveiled amidst controversy

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has introduced a new format for the Uganda Premier League (UPL), which will be implemented in the upcoming season.

The decision was made at a meeting held at Serena Hotel on September 10, 2025, despite opposition from some top clubs.

FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo believes the new format will increase competitiveness and revenue for the clubs.

The league will be played in three rounds.

The first round will feature a one-legged format, with teams playing according to the draw at the start of the season.

After 15 matchdays, the top eight teams will face each other, and the bottom half teams will also play each other in a home and away format.

The final round will feature a battle for the title and relegation among six teams from the two respective groups.

Each club will receive Shs80m as part of the new format.

Magogo emphasized that the new format is part of FUFA’s long-term technical masterplan, aimed at creating a more competitive and marketable product.

However, not all clubs were pleased with the new format.

Vipers SC President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa and SC Villa President Omar Mandela stormed out of the meeting in protest, citing concerns over the imposition of the new format without adequate consultation.

Mulindwa advised FUFA to defer the changes and test the new format in the women’s lower league.

“With what I have done and invested in football together with my reputation, I cannot be part of such a meeting where club representatives are falling for peanuts,” Mulindwa stated.

Despite the controversy, FUFA is confident that the new format will bring benefits to Ugandan football.

Magogo noted that managing change can be challenging, but he is optimistic that the new format will be successful in the long run.

The new format is set to be rolled out this season, with modifications as proposed by the clubs and passed in the meeting.