Denis Musanje
The 2025/26 Uganda Premier league campaign has been overshadowed by the ongoing saga regarding the new reforms introduced by the federation in August this year.
Reigning league champions Vipers have already rejected the reforms and are not willing to participate in the campaign while SC Villa and NEC FC are playing under duress.
SC Villa the record league champions who have the biggest fan base in the land have had their games against KCCA FC and Entebbe UPPC FC played in empty stadiums.
The much hyped Namboole UPL double header turned into a disaster after Vipers SC failed to show up against Kitara FC while Namboole stands in the game between KCCA FC and SC Villa were empty.
Before, SC Villa’s game against Entebbe UPPC FC, Villa fans in one of their WhatsApp groups that also has FUFA President Moses Magogo sent money direct to the club shunning the game that was played at FUFA Kadiba Stadium.
They were also seen in videos taking their beers close to the venue where their beloved club played to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday evening in protest over the introduced reforms.
KCCA FC faithfuls also agreed not to buy seasonal tickets and promised to stay home during league matches in protest against the new league format. They play Lugazi FC at Lugogo on Thursday night.
KCCA FC Patron Erias Lukwago called on FUFA President Magogo to rethink and rescind his decision over the new league format.
“My last message to Hon. Magogo: please rethink and rescind your preposterous decision for the sake of salvaging our local soccer- the key source of solace and therapy to some of us.”
The resistance is powerfully led by Vipers SC President and former Fufa head, Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa. His club’s outright rejection of the new format, which included boycotting an opening fixture against Kitara FC has thrown the season into chaos.
Mulindwa also stated that he is ready to quit Ugandan football and concentrate on other things.
“I want to assure Ugandans that I can’t be intimidated, bribed, or corrupted. If you want to dismiss Vipers out of Ugandan football, I have no problem. Me I don’t feed on football; it is football that feeds on me. But Fufa feeds on football; remove football and they will not exist.
“If they are not willing to listen, I am not ready to bow down. This is the beginning of the struggle; if they don’t consider their position, we shall fight. Don’t expect to change my mind because where they are taking is gambling, manipulation of football, match fixing.” Said Mulindwa
Many thought the two weeks international break was to help FUFA resolve the horrendous situation facing the beautiful game but that didn’t happen and in their latest statement only communicated about predetermining of matches and planned violence actions.
“FUFA has learnt of efforts of approaching players, coaches and referees promising huge sums of money to predetermine results and make public comments to discredit the Competitions Reforms. There are also efforts being made to organise violent actions by fans in and around football facilities.”Such acts do not only contravene the football regulations and the 2023 National Sports Act but may also interrupt public peace and order.This statement serves to advise the various stakeholders not to engage in these criminal acts.”
Any stakeholder who is approached is required by football regulations and the national laws to report such incidents to the Uganda Police and to FUFA.”
FUFA boss Magogo should know that while the growth of football globally has extended to many different pursuits in recent times, nothing can replicate the reality of being at the stadium and supporting a team.
Fans are there to enhance the sense of atmosphere and drama, in every game and the concept of the 12th man is as important to football now, as it ever has been before.
So, FUFA has to listen to Mulindwa who is Uganda’s biggest football investor as well as the fans to overcome the storm facing Uganda’s top-flight division.
