StarTimes Uganda has urged the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and top-flight clubs to find common ground over the controversial Uganda Premier League (UPL) reforms, warning that ongoing disputes risk overshadowing the upcoming season.
The 2025/26 campaign, set to begin on September 26, is already under the spotlight following FUFA’s decision to introduce a three-round league format, a move that has sparked resistance from several clubs. Despite weeks of consultations and high-level meetings, no definitive agreement has been reached, even as fixtures for the opening round are already public.
Aldrine Nsubuga, StarTimes Uganda’s Vice President, speaking on NBS Sport this week, emphasized that the broadcaster and title sponsor wants to promote a league built on unity, not division.
“We want to market a league that excites fans and clubs alike,” Nsubuga said. “It makes little sense to invest in promotion when the very people we are trying to reach feel alienated by its structure.”
“Five years trohyless at KCCA FC, and we’re still talking culture… How do we keep a player for over 10 seasons yet he never gets called up to the national team?” Aldrine Nsubuga goes hard…#NBSportThePavilion#NBSportUpdates pic.twitter.com/LYacSEn2dW
— NBS Sport (@NBSportUg) August 30, 2025
He appealed to both FUFA and club officials to seize the window before kick-off to align on a shared vision, stressing that consensus is vital to presenting the league in a positive light.
“Our prayer is that by September 26, we’ll have a collective position that everyone supports,” he added. “When we sell this product, it should be one message, one league, one voice.”
FUFA has maintained that the reforms are designed to improve competition and professionalism within Ugandan football.
Since inking a 10-year broadcast and sponsorship deal in 2018, StarTimes has been instrumental in increasing visibility for local football. The company now finds itself in the role of mediator, hoping to ensure that commercial and sporting interests align before the first whistle blows.
