UPL Joins FUFA to Go against Vipers, League Body Hits Back Hard After ‘Small Clubs’ Insult and Match Boycott
By: Lawrence Mubiru
The war in Ugandan football continues as the Uganda Premier League (UPL) fires back at reigning champions Vipers SC over their shock decision to snub a scheduled doubleheader against Kitara FC — and for allegedly belittling other teams as “small clubs.”
In a fiery statement released on Wednesday, October 8, the league secretariat didn’t hold back, reminding the Venoms that “no club is bigger than the league.”
“Every club in the Premier League is a valued member of the football family. No team is greater or smaller; every club contributes significantly to the growth and success of the game,” the UPL said in its official statement.
Vipers’ refusal to honor the doubleheader left fans stunned and officials scrambling. The 2024/25 league champions reportedly protested the league’s new reforms — including a mandatory two-year player contract policy — sparking fresh tensions between the club and the league bosses.
The policy, which was backed by 15 of the 16 top-flight clubs, is designed to stabilize player contracts and protect club investments. But sources suggest Vipers felt the reforms were “forced” and not in their best interest.
The league bosses also revealed that Vipers have pocketed UGX 110 million from league earnings over the past three months — including UGX 60 million for their title win — countering claims that the reforms were financially unfair.
“The reform was not imposed. It was developed through inclusive consultations and is meant to benefit both players and clubs,” UPL insisted.
On the controversial Kitara FC match, the UPL clarified that doubleheaders are voluntary, not compulsory — a strategy to enhance fan excitement and media coverage.
“Doubleheaders are arranged between willing clubs to create vibrant matchday experiences, not to coerce participation,” the league explained.
The standoff has divided Uganda’s football circles.
Longtime Vipers supporter Dennis Tumwesigye was blunt:
“I support Vipers, but walking away from games and calling others small clubs is embarrassing. We should lead by example, not arrogance.”
Meanwhile, Florence Kabuye, a vocal SC Villa fan, backed the UPL’s firm stance:
“Finally, the league is standing up for fairness. No club should feel bigger than the rest.”
Football analyst Daniel Lwanga warned the feud could expose deeper cracks:
“This goes beyond one fixture. It’s about power dynamics in Ugandan football. The league must enforce its rules or lose credibility.”
What’s Next?
Despite the storm, UPL insists the 2025/26 season will roll on — with or without Vipers’ cooperation.
“We assure all fans, players, and stakeholders that the season will continue smoothly, with unity and collaboration at the heart of every decision,” the Secretariat concluded.
As tensions flare, fans are watching closely to see whether Vipers SC will swallow their pride and return to the pitch — or risk isolation in what’s shaping up to be Uganda football’s biggest off-pitch battle in years.