The storm has settled, at least for now. After weeks of growing discontent, empty terraces, and one club’s outright rebellion, Ugandan football’s top brass have bowed to the roar of the terraces. The Uganda Premier League will, once again, be played in its traditional format.
It was a Saturday that began with tension and ended with a handshake. Inside FUFA House in Mengo, 11 of the 16 top-flight clubs gathered with federation officials to decide the future of the nation’s flagship competition. And after hours of debate, FUFA President Moses Magogo stepped forward with a message that resonated across the footballing landscape: “We have listened.”
“As FUFA, we have heard the clubs and stakeholders. We’ve agreed to revert to the old format for this season,” Magogo announced. “Further consultations and reviews will continue next season.”
The decision marks a significant climbdown from the federation’s earlier stance, following widespread outrage over the league’s new three-round structure—an experimental format that had thrown fans, clubs, and even broadcasters into confusion.
The Rebellion that Shook Ugandan Football
The cracks began to show long before the first whistle of the season. Clubs questioned logistics, fans voiced frustration, and the stands spoke loudest—by staying empty. The reforms, meant to “modernize” the game, instead alienated its most faithful believers.
When giants Vipers SC refused to turn up for their opening fixture against Kitara FC at Namboole Stadium, the controversy reached breaking point. The defending champions’ absence was more than a protest, it was a statement.
Across the country, crowds dwindled, and a wave of apathy swept through the terraces. Uganda’s most beloved sporting institution suddenly looked fragile.
What Went Wrong? The Short-Lived New Format
FUFA’s experimental system, introduced via a circular in August 2025, was bold on paper but baffling in practice.
Here’s what the now-scrapped structure looked like:
The league retained 16 teams.
The first round: A standard round-robin, 15 matches per team.
The second phase: The top eight teams split from the bottom eight.
The third phase: The top six chased the title, while the rest fought for survival, all in single-leg ties.
The format promised excitement and “commercial value,” but it delivered confusion and chaos instead. Even the most passionate fans struggled to keep up.
Magogo’s Balancing Act
Magogo admitted that while the league format will revert, not all reforms are off the table.
“We’ve only discussed the format today,” he clarified. “Other reforms, such as player registration, data management, and financial systems, remain under review.”
The FUFA president’s tone was conciliatory yet firm, acknowledging criticism while defending the broader modernization agenda.
What It Means for Ugandan Football
The return to the old format is more than a scheduling fix, it’s a symbolic reconnection with the soul of Ugandan football. It’s about rhythm, familiarity, and the heartbeat of fans who live for weekend drama.
For the clubs, it means restored normalcy and clearer planning. For fans, it’s the revival of tradition. For FUFA, it’s a humbling reminder: reform without inclusion is revolution without supporters.
The Final Whistle
And so, Uganda’s top-flight football breathes again. The terraces will fill, the drums will roll, and the chants will echo once more.
This was not just a battle over fixtures, it was a contest for the heart of the game.
FUFA has listened. The people have spoken.
And football, Ugandan football, has won.