In a major U-turn, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed that the Uganda Premier League (UPL) will return to its traditional format, ending months of confusion and backlash over the recently introduced three-round system.
The decision was reached on Saturday after a crucial meeting at FUFA House in Mengo between FUFA officials, the UPL secretariat, and representatives from top-flight clubs.
FUFA President Moses Magogo said the move followed extensive consultations with clubs and other football stakeholders who voiced strong opposition to the changes.
“As FUFA, we have listened to the clubs and other stakeholders and agreed to revert to the old format for this season,” Magogo said. “We will make more reviews and consultations before deciding on future reforms.”
Eleven of the 16 league clubs attended the meeting, where discussions centered on finding a unified way forward after weeks of unrest across the football fraternity.
Magogo clarified that only the league format has been reversed for now, while other reforms introduced earlier in the season remain under review.
“In today’s meeting, we only discussed the format,” he added. “Other reforms will continue to be evaluated.”
Backlash from clubs and fans
Since FUFA announced the new league structure, it has faced widespread criticism from clubs and fans alike.
Many supporters boycotted games, leading to lower attendances and a decline in enthusiasm around the league.
While most clubs eventually agreed to participate, Vipers SC stood firm in protest and refused to play under the new system.
Their boycott peaked when they skipped their fixture against Kitara FC at the newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
How it all Started
The controversy began in July 2025, when FUFA met club representatives to review the previous season.
During that meeting, the FUFA Executive Committee proposed a new format aimed at boosting competitiveness and fan engagement.
A month later, on August 20, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson issued a circular outlining the changes, which also affected fixtures, player registration, and data management.
The scrapped three-round format
The league was to remain a 16-team competition but played in three rounds:
• First Round: A standard round-robin with each team playing 15 matches.
• Second Round: Teams split into Top 8 and Bottom 8, playing home and away.
• Final Stage: The Top 6 from the upper group would contest the title, while others battled relegation in mini-groups.
FUFA described the structure as innovative, but critics said it complicated the competition, disrupted rivalries, and risked alienating fans.
What next?
The return to the old format has been welcomed as a relief for both clubs and supporters. FUFA insists the decision is temporary as it continues to refine future reforms for the betterment of Ugandan football.
