In a major climbdown, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has suspended the newly introduced Uganda Premier League (UPL) format following weeks of fan protests and club boycotts.
The decision, announced after high-level meetings at FUFA House in Mengo, marks a significant victory for clubs and supporters who had opposed the changes from the outset. The federation confirmed that the league would revert to the traditional home-and-away double round-robin format for the 2025/26 season.
“The FUFA Executive Committee has taken a decision to suspend the format of the 2025/2026 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season after consultations with UPL clubs, league sponsors, and the UPL Board,” the federation stated on Friday.
The abandoned format had introduced a three-phase structure—starting with a single round-robin, followed by a split into top and bottom eight teams playing home-and-away. It was intended to speed up competition and boost commercial value. However, critics labelled it rushed and unbalanced, warning it would compromise sporting fairness and reduce fan engagement.
Reigning champions Vipers SC, alongside SC Villa and NEC FC, openly defied the changes, with Vipers refusing to play under the new format. The move triggered widespread fan boycotts, leaving stadiums half-empty and further straining relations between FUFA and the football community.
FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo, flanked by top officials and club representatives, acknowledged the backlash and described the suspension as an opportunity for further sensitisation.
“We have listened to the clubs, sponsors, and fans. This pause gives us time to explain the benefits and prepare all stakeholders better,” he said, adding that the format may be piloted in lower divisions before any top-flight implementation.
The federation says all matches already played under the scrapped structure will count toward the season standings.
