Kampala, Uganda: The future of Ugandan club football is facing a contentious crossroads as the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) approved a significant boost in club funding, even as giants Vipers SC and SC Villa rejected proposed league reforms.
On 26 August 2025, FUFA convened a meeting with 11 Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs and the UPL Board at FUFA House in Mengo. The gathering was described as “fruitful,” with participating clubs welcoming the federation’s efforts to increase financial support for the league.
Under the FUFA Club Development Reforms programme, annual funding has been raised from UGX 2.5 billion to UGX 3.4 billion, aimed at covering player insurance, prize money, recruitment of UPL Secretariat staff, media and marketing initiatives, locker room bonuses, and direct club support.
The 11 clubs present were BUL FC, URA FC, Maroons FC, Express FC, UPDF FC, Police FC, Mbarara City FC, Lugazi FC, Entebbe UPPC FC, Calvary FC, and Buhimba United Saints FC.
Vipers SC and SC Villa reject league reforms
Despite the funding boost, reigning champions Vipers SC and record title winners SC Villa publicly rejected FUFA’s proposed three-phase league format. Club presidents Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa (Vipers) and Hajji Omar Mandela (SC Villa) argued the system undermines sporting integrity.
They warned that the points reset in subsequent phases would unfairly penalize consistent performers and distort league standings.
Both clubs also expressed concerns over gate revenue sharing rules, which reduce home team revenue to 85% in single-header fixtures and 35% in double-headers, potentially eroding financial independence.
The standoff sets the stage for tense discussions ahead of the next UPL season, as FUFA pushes for modernization while traditional powerhouses seek to safeguard fairness and club revenues.
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