David GOMBE
Uganda Premier League fans through their respective umbrellas such as UPL fans forum, UPL Fans Meetup, Platinum fans football Association and other groups across the country have called for immediate suspension of new league format.
Last week in a circular from FUFA, a new topflight format that will replace the current one ahead of the 2025/26 was confirmed.
The circular signed by FUFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edgar Watson showed massive changes with the league now to be played in three rounds.
However, clubs such as record Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa, 13-time League champions KCCA FC, seven time champions Vipers along with Lugazi FC have all rejected the new league format with more expected to join the fight.
The fans have also joined the fight against the new league format in a statement seen by this website and also called for immediate suspension.
“We, the undersigned Uganda Premier League (UPL) fans, united under different umbrellas such as UPL Fans Forum, UPL Fans Meetup, Platinum Fans Football Association, and other supporters’ groups across the country and abroad, hereby petition against the sudden introduction of the new UPL format.”
Our Grounds of Objection:
1. The new format has been introduced without proper consultation with fans, yet fans are key stakeholders in the game.
2. Even some administrators cannot clearly explain the changes, creating confusion among supporters.
3. Fans have for years sacrificed their time, money, and effort to promote their clubs and the league. To be disregarded in decision-making undermines our role and passion.
4. Football without fans is meaningless yet decisions are being made as if fans do not matter.
Our Demands:
*Immediate suspension of the proposed new format until proper consultations are made.
*Inclusion of fan representatives in decision-making processes regarding the league’s structure and operations.
*Transparency and accountability from UPL administrators and FUFA when introducing changes that affect the entire football community.
Our Resolution:
Until these demands are addressed, we as fans declare:
•We will boycott attending matches.
•We will suspend promotion of the UPL on our platforms.
•We will not participate in any UPL-related activities until further notice.
•We strongly affirm that fans are shareholders and stakeholders in football. Our voices must be respected.
Meanwhile, the new Uganda Premier League campaign is scheduled to kickoff next month.
Match day one fixtures
Express FC vs Mbarara city
Calvary FC vs UPDF FC
Buhimba FC vs URA FC
SC Villa vs KCCA FC
Nec FC vs BUL FC
Police FC Vs Maroons FC
Vipers SC vs Kitara FC
Lugazi FC vs UPPC FC
