FUFA Executive Committee Suspends New UPL Season Format

The FUFA Executive Committee has officially suspended the new format of the 2025/2026 StarTimes Uganda Premier League following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including UPL clubs, league sponsors, and the Uganda Premier League Board.

According to the statement released, Rule 14:4-12 of the FUFA Competition Rules 2025 will not apply for this season, effectively restoring the traditional league structure.

The decision aims to allow stakeholders ample time to understand and adapt to the proposed UPL reforms through structured sensitization and engagement sessions.

Over the past month, the new league format had sparked heated debate within the football fraternity, with Vipers SC, SC Villa, and NEC FC initially opting out of the competition—before the latter two chose to play under protest.

FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo described the decision as a landmark moment in leadership and football governance, emphasizing the importance of listening to the football community.

“Football is all about the fans. As FUFA, we ought to listen — and we have listened to the clubs, our sponsors, the general public, and to the fans,” said Hon. Magogo.
“We have also agreed with the top-division clubs that this particular format should first be tried and tested in a lower league competition.”

The suspension signals FUFA’s willingness to prioritize inclusiveness and consensus in shaping the future of Ugandan football