David GOMBE
In his article in Daily Monitor last Sunday, Godfrey Drabe a guest writer stated that the ongoing conflict between clubs and FUFA makes it difficult to market the league product, risking a long-term erosion of confidence that could see existing sponsors cut back and potential investors avoid the Ugandan Market.
Drabe was right, while appearing on NBS Sport Uganda Premier League board chairman Arinaitwe Rugyendo confirmed that they lost three potential sponsors ahead of the 2025/26 season due to the current turmoil.
“I can assure you, I won’t mention them because of the confidentiality issues but we lost three potential sponsors. They were coming in the league because they had seen growth and good infrastructure where they could advertise but pulled back, they said our board is telling us we first see.” Said Rugyendo who also confirmed that the 16 clubs are to meet this Saturday to discuss on the raised issues regarding the new reforms.
The 2025/26 league campaign has kicked off on a low note with fans boycotting matches while defending champions Vipers SC led by their president and former FUFA boss have totally rejected the new reforms and also missed their potential opener to Kitara FC in protest.
Earlier this week, SC Villa Uganda’s most decorated football club and most supported in the land played its first home game against Entebbe UPPC FC at an Empty FUFA Kadiba Stadium.
But some of the club faithfuls who were seen outside the gates of Kadiba protesting the new league format in mock celebrations with beer parties and chants yet none of them entered the stadium to watch their beloved Jogoos, who played out to 1-all draw with newcomers Entebbe UPPC.
KCCA FC faced criticism for reportedly shipping workers from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to fill up stands during their goalless stalemate with Lugazi FC at Lugogo on Thursday.
