Kampala, Uganda: The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has issued sweeping new licensing regulations for both men’s and women’s football clubs, set to take effect in the 2025/26 season.
The reforms are part of FUFA’s broader push to professionalise Ugandan football under its Club Licensing System and Technical Master Plan.
Key among the changes are upgraded qualifications for coaches and administrators, alongside new mandates aimed at strengthening the women’s football ecosystem.
Under the new rules, Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs must appoint Head Coaches holding a CAF A Coaching Diploma, FUFA Big League (FBL) clubs will only be allowed to field Head Coaches with at least a CAF B Diploma, and FUFA Women Super League (FWSL) Head Coaches must also hold a CAF B Coaching Diploma.
In as far as administration is concerned, FUFA is enforcing new academic benchmarks for club CEOs, where each CEO must have at least a FAMACO III certificate, while FWSL and FBL club CEOs must possess a minimum of a FAMACO II certificate.
Another critical amendment under the Sporting Criteria requires that all UPL clubs establish and operate women’s football teams, participating either in the FUFA Women’s Super League or the FUFA Women’s Elite League.
Additionally, per FUFA Circular No. 1189, every FWSL club must, starting with the 2025/26 season, be affiliated to an existing men’s club competing in the UPL, FBL, or Regional League.
The new framework follows a series of capacity-building initiatives by FUFA to boost the number and quality of qualified coaches and football administrators in the country.
“These changes are necessary to align Uganda’s football structures with international standards and promote both technical excellence and gender inclusivity,” FUFA stated.
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