The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has struck a landmark deal with the 18 clubs competing in the Kampala Regional Football Association Third Division to introduce a new split-league system for the 2025/26 campaign.
The move signals a reintroduction of the controversial format that was recently shelved at Uganda Premier League level following widespread resistance from clubs and supporters. However, FUFA now intends to trial the model in a lower division to gauge its feasibility and reception before considering a return to the top flight.
According to the new design, all 18 teams will face each other once during the opening round. At the conclusion of that stage, the standings will determine two separate sections, the top nine sides will form the championship group, while the bottom nine will enter the relegation group.
New league Format to pilot with Kampala Region 3rd Division Clubs pic.twitter.com/SKBLI6RCAx
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 21, 2025
Teams in the upper bracket will battle for the league title and promotion places, as those in the lower half fight to secure survival.
FUFA has earmarked over UGX 800 million to bankroll the experiment, covering a wide range of expenses including referee allowances, man-of-the-match bonuses, prize money, and operational costs for participating clubs. The eventual league champions are set to receive UGX 20 million, the highest prize ever awarded at that level, with additional incentives promised throughout the season to encourage performance and professionalism.
The blueprint was unanimously adopted after a meeting between FUFA’s Executive Committee and representatives from all 18 member clubs in Kampala. FUFA described the deliberations as “constructive and progressive,” emphasizing that the pilot will provide crucial insights into the practicality of the format before any decision to expand it to higher divisions.
