At the FUFA-Media Engagement held at La Bonita Lounge, the FUFA President delivered a keynote address outlining bold reforms for the new football league format. He emphasized that as Uganda aspires to become Africa’s number one footballing nation both on and off the pitch, a deliberate technical master plan has been developed, with competition reforms at its core.
One of the standout areas is refereeing. Out of the usual 100 officials, 50 elite referees, including the 13 on FIFA’s list, have been selected to officiate in the new league. This move is intended to guarantee the highest standards of officiation. The referees have been given medical insurance, and their allowances will progressively increase, with a center referee set to earn UGX 500,000 per game by the third round.
Players are also set to benefit significantly from the reforms. Each will earn locker room bonuses for winning games, starting at UGX 80,000 in round one and rising to UGX 150,000 per win by the third round. Beyond financial motivation, all players will be fully insured, a measure aimed at safeguarding their health and careers.
Clubs will not be left behind in this financial restructuring. Each team is set to receive UGX 80 million in direct support from FUFA. Already, UGX 25 million has been wired to their accounts, with another UGX 25 million due in the second round and UGX 30 million in the third. This comes on top of their usual revenue streams, including TV rights fees from league sponsors StarTimes and prize money from FUFA.
Nakiwala Kiyingi, third vice president and head of UPL clubs, said: “I request journalists to move hand in hand with the federation because there’s good time Uganda is in like today especially after hosting successful CHAN tournament, eyeing for AFCON2027, the country is going through different sports developments like building stadia. I argue journalists to do whatever is possible to support football and FUFA programs for benefit of all as Ugandans.”
With these sweeping reforms, FUFA is signaling a new era for Ugandan football, one where professionalism, welfare, and financial stability are prioritized. The federation believes this transformation will not only raise the competitiveness of the league but also set Uganda firmly on the path to becoming a dominant force in African football.
