The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) Executive Committee has bowed to widespread pressure from clubs, fans and sponsors, announcing the suspension of the controversial new format for the 2025/2026 Uganda Premier League (UPL) season.
The decision was confirmed in a statement on Saturday afternoon following consultations with UPL clubs, league sponsors and the Uganda Premier League Board.
This means the league will immediately revert to the traditional 16-team home and away structure.
How did the new Uganda Premier League format look like?
The suspended format, which had drawn fierce opposition from top clubs like SC Villa, Vipers and NEC had proposed a three-round structure.
A Round One where all 16 teams would play each other once to determine ranking. Teams would then be split into two groups in round two based on round one standings.
The Top 8 in Group 1, Bottom 8 in Group 2. Each group would play a full home and away league amongst themselves.
The league would then be further made into a round three where clubs would be further divided based on round Two performance to compete in mini leagues for the championship, mid-table positions, and relegation survival.
Only points accumulated in Round Two and Round Three would count towards the final standings.
The reforms were met with significant resistance, particularly from the league’s most successful and influential clubs, citing lack of genuine consultation, financial risks and complexity.
FUFA President Moses Magogo acknowledged the sharp reactions to the changes, confirming that the federation will use the next 12 months to educate stakeholders on the intended benefits of the proposed reforms before any reintroduction.
Why did FUFA suspend new format?
“We have listened to the clubs, sponsors and fans and decided to allow more time for explanation and preparation before full implementation.’
For this season, we shall play home and away fixtures, with all points accumulated across both rounds, similar to the previous campaign.
By the end of this season, we expect to have had enough time to explain the objectives and benefits of the new format so that everyone moves in the same direction.”
Vipers SC are the defending Champions of the Ugandan top-tier league.
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