FUFA dangles Shs3.4 billion fund to push through new league format

The tug of war between Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) over the proposed new league format has intensified, with FUFA now using the Shs3.4 billion Competitions Development Fund as leverage to secure compliance.

During a meeting held on Tuesday, September 2, at Serena Hotel in Kampala, clubs once again failed to reach consensus on adopting the new format outlined in circular 1202. While progress was made on matters such as gate collections, player registration, and doubleheaders, the league structure remained the biggest sticking point.

In a statement signed by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, the federation issued an ultimatum to the clubs:

•If the new competition format is implemented starting with the 2025/26 season, UPL clubs will access the Shs3.4bn Competitions Development Fund.

•If clubs reject the reforms, the fund and reforms will instead be redirected to the FUFA Big League (second division) for the next three seasons.

FUFA further directed that by 5:00 PM on Monday, September 8, every club must submit its decision in writing.

Some clubs remain defiant, questioning FUFA’s motives and timing. Vipers SC president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, speaking on behalf of the clubs, argued that there was no need to abolish the current format, which has been in place since 1968 (with only two exceptions).

“What has the old format done so bad that it must be quashed with immediate effect?” Mulindwa asked.

Several club officials, speaking anonymously, expressed deep mistrust toward FUFA’s financial promises. They pointed to past unfulfilled pledges, such as the proposed Shs50 million annual support for each club, which never materialized.

“Even prize money for the Premier League and Uganda Cup is delayed or never paid. Some relegated clubs went down without receiving their dues,” lamented one club president.

Others questioned why FUFA now insists on linking financial support to structural reforms, despite previously claiming it lacked resources to invest in clubs even with government backing.

According to FUFA’s proposal, the Competitions Development Fund would cover:

•Player insurance

•Prize money

•Recruitment of more UPL Secretariat staff

•Media and marketing of the league

•Locker room bonuses for wins

•Direct cash support to clubs

Sources, however, revealed that each club would receive no more than Shs80 million per season in direct financial support, with FUFA retaining a significant portion for centralized expenses.