The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has officially suspended the implementation of its proposed new Uganda Premier League (UPL) format following widespread criticism from clubs, fans, and other key stakeholders.
FUFA President Moses Magogo confirmed the decision, announcing that the 2025/2026 UPL season will return to the traditional and popular home-and-away fixture system.
Magogo explained that the federation will use the coming year to engage and sensitise stakeholders about the controversial format, which had triggered intense backlash across the football community.
The scrapped proposal had caused major divisions within Ugandan football, with many accusing FUFA of introducing sweeping changes without proper consultation. Vipers SC had openly refused to participate under the new system, while SC Villa reluctantly agreed to play but “under protest.”
The tension extended to the fans, who launched online and in-stadium boycotts under hashtags such as #BoycottTheUPL and #SayNoToTheNewLeagueFormat. The campaign led to visibly empty terraces and widespread condemnation of the plan.
Critics argued that the new league structure would not only disrupt the spirit of competition but could also open doors to match-fixing and compromise the integrity of the game.
