The much-anticipated return of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) on Friday, September 26, 2025, unfolded in a cloud of controversy, with the opening round of fixtures drawing more headlines off the pitch than on it.
Instead of the usual excitement that greets the first weekend of league action, conversations across the country revolved around deserted stadiums, an abruptly cancelled live broadcast, and the still-bitter fallout from FUFA’s contentious reforms.
At Royals Park in Hoima, Kitara and KCCA played out a 1-1 draw in what should have been the day’s showpiece encounter. In recent seasons, Kitara home matches have been synonymous with electrifying atmospheres, but the terraces this time painted a stark picture, rows of empty seats where drums and chants normally thunder.
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The sense of frustration deepened when the broadcaster unexpectedly pulled the plug on the live feed minutes before kickoff. While the official line cited “technical glitches,” critics quickly accused the organisers of intentionally forcing fans into stadiums. If that was the plan, it backfired spectacularly.
The attendance problem stretched far beyond Hoima. In Njeru, BUL and URA battled to a drab 0-0 stalemate before a scattering of spectators. Over in Bugonga, newly promoted Buhimba United Saints stunned fellow debutants Entebbe UPPC 1-0, but their historic win was celebrated by only a handful in the stands.
Elsewhere, Lugazi saw off Calvary 3-1 at Najjembe, Police and Mbarara City shared spoils at 1-1 in Kamwokya’s freshly unveiled Kira Road Police Arena, and Express managed a slim 1-0 victory over UPDF at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, yet in each venue, the story was the same: thin crowds and muted atmospheres.
The underlying cause is no mystery. FUFA’s decision to introduce a three-round league structure has been met with open hostility from fans and clubs alike. On social media, hashtags such as #SayNoToTheNewLeagueFormat and #BoycottAllUPLGames have gained traction, serving as rallying cries for discontented supporters.
Even some of the league’s biggest stakeholders have resisted the changes. The presidents of Vipers SC, SC Villa, and NEC: Lawrence Mulindwa, Omar Mandela, and Brian Buhanda respectively, stormed out of a heated September 9 meeting with FUFA officials, accusing the federation of intimidation and heavy-handed tactics.
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Notably, those three clubs were absent from opening day. Vipers and NEC had continental duties to attend to, while Villa’s scheduled clash with Vipers was postponed. Their absence only amplified the sense of an opening day lacking spark, leaving Ugandan football staring at a deeper problem than just results on the pitch.
