David GOMBE
FUFA Executive Committee has agreed to test the new league format in the Kampala Regional league (Third division) during the 2025/26 season.
In August this year, FUFA had confirmed the introduction of the new three round format in the Uganda Premier League but following a backlash from clubs such as Vipers SC, SC Villa and NEC FC as well as fans who rejected the format.
On Saturday last week, FUFA president Moses Magogo confirmed that they had dropped the new format to return to the old format in the top tier of Ugandan football.
FUFA on Tuesday, confirmed that they will test the multi-three phase league in Kampala Regional league injecting Shs800m.
“The FUFA Executive Committee has agreed with the 18 Kampala Regional Football Association 3rd Division Clubs to implement the split league format for the 2025/6 season.FUFA will inject over 800 million Uganda shillings to be allocated to prize money, locker-room bonuses, man of the match awards, referees, financial support and operational costs of the Kampala Regional League of 18 teams. The winner of the league will receive up to 20 million Uganda shillings.”
According to FUFA, the first round of the Kampala Regional league will see the 18 clubs each play 17 games. Thereafter, the teams will be split into two groups of nine, depending on their performance from the first round. At this stage, games will be played on a home and away basis.
During the third round, the best six performers of the teams that finished in the top nine will go on to compete for the Championship. The three remaining teams will play for placement alongside the top three performers from the bottom group of nine. The six teams in the bottom group will then fight to fend off relegation.
It should be noted that the third round will be played on a one-leg basis, with the host team determined depending on who hosted in the first round.
FUFA will pay referees’ allowances: UGX 100,000 per game in rounds one and two, and UGX 200,000 in the third round.
Man of the Match award will come with a cash prize of UGX 50,000 in round one, UGX 100,000 in round two and UGX 200,000 in round three.
Each club will receive 20 match balls. It should be noted that on Monday, the Regional League clubs across the country had been given 5 balls.
Additionally, up to 50 matches will be televised on FUFA TV from key grounds, including Kyambogo University, Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo, Yes Centre – Nsambya, Kira Road Police Arena and FUFA Kadiba Stadium, with double-header matches lined up.
The club officials who had a meeting with FUFA on Tuesday were also told that UGX 130 million in prize money is up for grabs, with the Champions having an opportunity to collect up to UGX 20,000,000.
As part of preparations, the 18 Kampala Regional League clubs will also get UGX 8 million shillings, and players will start earning locker-room bonuses from round two: UGX 20,000 per win, going up to UGX 50,000 in round three.
