The Uganda Premier League (UPL) is poised for a significant transformation as the Football Association of Uganda (FUFA) has unveiled a new format for the 2025/26 season. This overhaul, announced by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, aims to elevate the league's competitiveness and operational efficiency. The changes extend beyond the playing field, encompassing player registration, data management, and financial regulations.
#### **The New League Format**
The UPL will continue to feature a maximum of 16 teams, maintaining the same number as the 2024/25 season. However, the structure of the competition will be reorganized into a three-round format:
- **Round One**: All 16 teams will compete in a one-leg league format to determine their rankings. A draw will decide the home and away fixtures for this round. The top 8 teams will advance to Group 1 in Round Two, while the bottom 8 will move to Group 2.
- **Round Two**: Teams in Group 1 and Group 2 will play a full league format, with home and away matches. The top 6 teams from Group 1 will qualify for Round Three in Group 3, while the bottom 2 will finish in 7th and 8th positions. Similarly, the bottom 6 teams from Group 2 will advance to Round Three in Group 4, and the top 2 will end the season in 9th and 10th positions.
- **Round Three**: Teams in Group 3 will compete in a one-leg league format, with home and away roles reversed from Round One for parity. The rankings from this round will determine the top 6 positions in the league. Teams in Group 4 will also compete in a one-leg league format, with their rankings determining positions 11 and below.
#### **Champions and Relegation**
- The team finishing top in Group 3 will be crowned the UPL champion for the season.
- Teams ranked 11th, 12th, and 13th will retain their eligibility for the 2026/27 season.
- The team ranked 14th will face a promotional/relegation playoff against the 3rd-placed team from the 2025/26 2nd Division League. The winner will secure a spot in the 1st Division for the following season, while the loser will drop to the 2nd Division.
Player Registration Requirements
To ensure long-term stability and commitment, FUFA has introduced new player registration criteria for the 2025/26 season:
- Players must have at least two years remaining on their contracts with their respective clubs to be eligible for registration.
- An exception will be made for players turning 31 during the 2025/26 season, who will be allowed to register regardless of contract length.
- All other registration provisions will remain in effect until further notice
Data Management
FUFA has emphasized the importance of data collection to enhance transparency and efficiency. Clubs will be required to submit both sporting and business data after each match:
- Sporting Data: Clubs must submit Form F601 within 48 hours of a match, detailing the match's sporting data. Players will be required to use Catapult Technology vests during matches, with referees ensuring compliance.
- Business Data: Clubs must submit Form F605 within 48 hours, detailing match day attendance and revenue generated. Failure to comply will result in corrective measures by the FUFA Judicial Commission.
Fixture Arrangements
The UPL will adopt a flexible fixture schedule, allowing for both single-header and double-header matches:
- Double Headers: Matches involving two UPL clubs will be hosted at the same venue with a 2-3-hour gap between kick-off times. FUFA will determine which matches qualify as double headers and may adjust fixtures within a 14-day window.
- **Venue Changes**: FUFA reserves the right to change match venues to facilitate double-header fixtures.
Financial Regulations
FUFA has outlined financial regulations to support clubs and incentivize performance:
- Prize Money: A total of 500 million Ugandan Shillings will be distributed as prize money, with 2 million Ugandan Shillings allocated to the winner of the promotional/relegation playoff.
- Gate Collections: Clubs must declare gross match takings, with penalties for non-compliance or falsification. A fixed amount will be allocated for operational costs per match.
Conclusion
The new UPL format represents a significant step forward in Uganda's football landscape, aiming to create a more competitive and transparent league. With changes to the playing structure, player registration, data management, and financial regulations, FUFA is committed to elevating the standards of the UPL. As the 2025/26 season approaches, clubs and fans alike will be closely watching how these reforms impact the league's dynamics and overall performance.
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