FUFA tightens club licensing rules ahead of 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations has unveiled sweeping changes to the Men’s Club Licensing Regulations ahead of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League campaign, in a move aimed at raising professional standards across Ugandan football.

The new directives, communicated through Circular No. 1217 released on May 15, 2026, focus on strengthening club governance, financial accountability, infrastructure, youth development, administration, and technical operations.

According to FUFA, the revised measures were approved by the Executive Committee following consultations with Uganda Premier League club chairpersons during a meeting held on May 7, 2026.

One of the standout developments is the introduction of an independent professional consultancy firm that will handle the assessment of club licensing submissions beginning next season.

The firm will inspect club facilities, evaluate documentation, and submit reports to the Club Licensing Committee for final determination.

Tough Financial Controls Introduced

FUFA has also moved to tighten financial discipline among topflight clubs, particularly concerning the welfare of players and coaches.

Starting July 1, 2026, all salaries and sign-on fees for players and technical staff must be paid strictly through official bank transfers from club accounts to individual beneficiaries.

In addition, clubs will be required to submit verified proof of payment four times every season on September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30.

Any club found with overdue payables before a transfer window opens will automatically be barred from registering new players during that registration period.

Club owners have further been compelled to sign Letters of Guarantee committing themselves to the timely payment of contractual obligations.

FUFA warned that owners found with unsettled dues at the end of a season risk losing eligibility to own football clubs.

CAF A Coaching Requirement

On the technical side, FUFA has raised the minimum qualification standards for coaches in the Uganda Premier League.
Both Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches will now be required to possess CAF A Coaching Diplomas, although assistant coaches currently holding CAF B licenses have been granted a grace period provided they have valid FUFA-recognized contracts.

The federation also confirmed that every topflight club must appoint a full-time Technical Director by January 1, 2027, to oversee technical development structures within their clubs.

Safety management has equally been emphasized, with clubs now expected to appoint certified Safety and Security Officers for their home venues.

Women’s Football Made Mandatory

Perhaps the most transformative reform is the compulsory inclusion of women’s football structures within Uganda Premier League clubs.

Beginning with the 2026/27 season, every UPL club must either establish and fully operate a women’s football team or formally partner with an existing women’s club.

For clubs already competing in the top division during the 2025/26 season, the women’s sides must feature in either the FUFA Women Super League or the FUFA Women Elite League.

Meanwhile, newly promoted clubs will be required to have women’s teams competing at least at Regional League level.

FUFA further directed that women’s teams must host their matches at the same venues used by their respective men’s teams.

Looking ahead, the federation also revealed plans to launch the Uganda Women’s Premier League in the 2028/29 season a competition that will exclusively comprise women’s teams owned by Uganda Premier League clubs.

Only clubs that fully own and finance women’s teams under their official identity from the 2026/27 season onward will qualify to represent Uganda in future CAF Women’s Club competitions.

Focus on Youth Development and Professional Identity

As part of broader grassroots development efforts, all Uganda Premier League clubs will now be required to own and operate FUFA-licensed G2 Academies to enhance talent identification and youth nurturing structures.

FUFA also introduced new branding and communication requirements, directing clubs to possess official domain email addresses, verified X and TikTok accounts, and officially registered club colours complete with RGB codes during licensing submissions.

On financial reporting, clubs must maintain proper records of all income and expenditure transactions starting July 1, 2026, to facilitate mandatory audits and financial reviews.

FUFA warned that failure to maintain credible financial documentation during the 2026/27 season could result in denial of a club license for the 2027/28 campaign.

FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson Suubi reiterated the federation’s commitment to working closely with clubs to ensure compliance and improve professional standards throughout Ugandan football.

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