The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is facing renewed criticism after linking the much-publicized 3.4 billion Shs FUFA Competitions Development Fund to the adoption of its contentious league reforms.
At a tense consultative meeting held on Tuesday, September 2, at Serena Hotel in Kampala, FUFA once again failed to convince Uganda Premier League (UPL) clubs to endorse the proposed three-phase league structure for the 2025/26 season. The federation has now issued an ultimatum, openly warning that clubs risk losing access to the fund if they reject the reforms.
According to a statement signed by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, clubs must submit their decision in writing by 5:00 PM on Monday, September 8.
“There was consensus that each individual club shall choose in writing by 1700hrs on Monday 8 September one of the following options,” read the statement in part.
Clubs are expected to either back the reforms in exchange for access to the Shs3.4bn fund, or reject them and see the money redirected to the FUFA Big League.
New controversial UPL format in balance after club opposition
The competition format in circular 1202 be implemented for the 2025/26 season and the 1st Division (UPL) shall benefit from the 3.4bn Fufa Competitions Development Fund.
“The competition format stipulated in circular 1202 is not implemented in 2025/26 1st Division (UPL) season and in the alternative, the Competition Reforms be implemented in the 2nd Division League (FUFA Big League) for the next three seasons together with the associated FUFA Competitions Development Funds mentioned above,” the statement says.
Clubs cry foul over “Bribery Tactics”
While FUFA argues the reforms are aimed at improving competitiveness and commercial value, clubs accuse the federation of using financial incentives as leverage.
Vipers SC President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, speaking on behalf of his fellow club executives, dismissed FUFA’s approach as unnecessary strong-arming:
“What has the old format done so bad that it must be quashed with immediate effect,” wondered Mulindwa.
The UPL has maintained largely the same league structure since 1968, with only brief experimental changes over two seasons. Clubs now want FUFA to invest the funds in the current format if it truly wants to improve football development.
History of broken promises
Some club executives, speaking anonymously to Kawowo Sports, expressed deep skepticism over FUFA’s intentions, citing a track record of unfulfilled commitments.
“Since they passed a reform to give each UPL club 50 million per season, it has never happened so how do we even trust them on this,” one club president wondered.
“Even the prize money for the Premier League and Uganda Cup is never paid on time and some clubs even went down without getting their share,” another lamented.
“For the past seasons, we have always cried for money but the FA has always insisted that it can’t invest in clubs even with money from the government, what has changed now and does it have to be a new format,” another questioned.
FUFA’s Share in the Billions
The proposed Shs3.4 billion package is not a direct cash injection to clubs. A significant portion would be managed by FUFA itself to cover player insurance schemes and bonuses, leaving many sceptical about how much would trickle down to teams struggling with operational costs.
As the September 8 deadline looms, Uganda’s top-flight clubs appear determined to resist what they describe as a “cash-for-compliance” scheme, leaving FUFA with little progress in its campaign to overhaul the country’s football structure.
