FUFA unveils new Uganda Premier League format ahead of 2025-26 season

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced a major restructuring of the Uganda Premier League (UPL), set to take effect starting with the 2025/26 campaign.

The decision follows a consultative meeting between FUFA and UPL clubs, aimed at improving the competition both on and off the pitch. A circular issued by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson outlined the sweeping reforms, covering the league format, player registration, data reporting, fixtures, and financial regulations.

League Structure

The UPL will maintain 16 participating teams, but the competition will now unfold across three rounds:

Round One:

Each team plays once in a one-leg league format. A draw will determine home and away fixtures. At the end of this stage, the top 8 teams proceed to Group 1, while the bottom 8 teams drop to Group 2.

Round Two:

Both groups (1 and 2) play a full home-and-away format.

In Group 1, the top 6 progress to Round 3 (Group 3), while the bottom two finish the season in 7th and 8th place.
In Group 2, the bottom 6 move to Round 3 (Group 4), while the top two end the season in 9th and 10th place.

Round Three:

Group 3 teams (six clubs) play once more in a one-leg format to determine positions 1–6, with the top side crowned champions.
Group 4 teams play in the same format to determine positions 11–16, which will also decide relegation.

Promotion and Relegation

Teams finishing 11th, 12th, and 13th will retain their UPL status for the following season. The team in 14th place will face a two-legged playoff against the third-placed FUFA Big League team, with the winner earning a top-flight slot.
Clubs in 15th and 16th will be relegated automatically.

Player Registration

Only players with at least two years remaining on their contracts will be eligible for UPL licensing.
The only exception applies to players who turn 31 during the season.

Other registration rules remain unchanged.

Data Reporting Obligations

FUFA has introduced mandatory sporting and business data submissions:

Sporting Data: Clubs must submit match reports (FORM F601) within 48 hours and will be required to use Catapult GPS vests during games.
Business Data: Clubs must provide figures on attendance and gate revenues (FORM F605) within 48 hours of each match.

Fixtures

Matches will be scheduled as either single-header or double-header games.

UPL will have exclusive authority to determine, adjust, and announce these formats.

Financial Regulations

FUFA will provide UGX 500 million in prize money for the season.

A specific UGX 2 million reward will go to the winner of the relegation/promotion playoff.

Gate Collections:

Gross takings must be declared, and falsification will attract disciplinary action.
After taxes and operations costs are deducted, revenues will be shared as follows:

Single-Header Fixtures:

Home Team – 85%
UPL – 5%
FUFA – 5%
Winner – 5%
Double-Header Fixtures:
Home Team 1 – 35%
Home Team 2 – 35%
Away Team 1 – 5%
Away Team 2 – 5%
UPL – 5%
FUFA – 5%
Winner 1 – 5%
Winner 2 – 5%

(In case of a draw, the “winner’s share” goes back to the home team.)

Looking Ahead

The reforms are designed to enhance competitiveness, ensure financial accountability, and modernize match-day operations. FUFA believes this new format will not only raise the standard of the Uganda Premier League but also improve player welfare and club sustainability.