The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has hit back at Vipers SC’s decision to boycott the new league format, insisting the reforms were fully debated and communicated.
Vipers announced on Thursday that they would not play their scheduled double-header against Kitara FC on October 4 at Namboole Stadium.
The club said it would only return once FUFA formally responded to its petitions challenging the changes.
In a letter dated October 2 to club president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson dismissed claims of neglect, noting Vipers officials attended consultative meetings on August 27 and September 2.
He added that FUFA issued its final resolutions on September 15, released fixtures on September 23, and published new competition regulations on September 25.
“Vipers SC is expected to honour all its fixtures for the 2025/26 1st Division League, including Match No. 15 scheduled for October 4,” Watson wrote.
FUFA reminded Vipers that by applying for a license and signing compliance forms, the club committed to this season’s regulations.
The response, also copied to the Ministry of Education and Sports, the National Council of Sports and the Uganda Premier League CEO, stressed the federation has “no intention of sidelining any of its members.”
With SC Villa and NEC FC already adjusting to the new double-header system, Vipers’ defiance leaves the season hanging in uncertainty.
Whether the four-time champions back down or escalate their boycott may decide how smoothly FUFA’s reforms take root.
