Vipers the Last Man Standing,Beat FUFA Hands Down, Old League Format Restored
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has bowed to pressure from Vipers SC and local football fans, announcing a suspension of the new league format and a return to the traditional home-and-away system for the 2025/2026 Uganda Premier League season.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, FUFA confirmed that its Executive Committee (EXCOM) had resolved to put the new format on hold to allow for further consultations and a better understanding of the reforms among stakeholders.
“The FUFA Executive Committee has taken a decision to suspend the format of the 2025/2026 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season after consultations with the UPL clubs, league sponsors, and the Uganda Premier League Board,” read part of the statement. “Rule 14:4–12 of the FUFA Competition Rules 2025 will now not apply for this season. The suspension will allow stakeholders more time to understand the new UPL reforms through various forms of sensitisation.”
The decision marks a significant victory for reigning league champions Vipers SC, who had strongly opposed the proposed format and publicly declared that they would not participate under the new structure. Their stance triggered widespread debate across the football community and intensified pressure on FUFA to reconsider.
Support from local football fans further amplified the resistance. Many boycotted matches during the first two matchdays of the season, leaving stadiums nearly empty in a collective show of discontent.
The growing backlash forced FUFA to re-evaluate its position, leading to Saturday’s announcement.
Vipers SC’s leadership, led by former FUFA president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, had maintained that the new format was “unfair and rushed,” arguing that it diluted competition and ignored the spirit of Ugandan football.
With the return to the traditional home-and-away format, fans and clubs alike have expressed relief, calling it a win for the sport.
As Dr. Mulindwa previously remarked, “Finally, football has won.”