The Uganda Premier League (UPL) secretariat officially released the fixtures for the 2025/26 season on August 28, 2025. The new season promises excitement, competitive matchups, and has introduced a new three-round playing format to enhance competition and fan engagement. The first round of fixtures will run from 26th September 2025 through to mid-February 2026.
Season Kick-off and Format
The league season starts on Friday, 26th September, with a marquee double-header set at the Hamz Stadium Nakivubo. The opening game pits arch-rivals URA FC against KCCA FC at 5:00 PM — a fixture that often draws large crowds and significant attention due to their historic rivalry.
The 2025/26 UPL will feature 16 clubs, each playing 30 matches as the league adopts a new three-round format. The first round involves each club playing 15 games, featuring either eight home games and seven away or the reverse, ensuring a balanced competition phase.
Key Fixtures and Rivalries to Watch
The release of the fixtures has highlighted some of the most anticipated matches this season:
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URA FC vs KCCA FC (Opening match, 26th September)
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SC Villa vs Vipers SC: One of the fiercest rivalries in Ugandan football, this matchup is always highly competitive.
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KCCA FC vs Express FC: Another contest packed with history and fan passion.
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Police FC vs Wakiso Giants: A battle of rising contenders aiming for higher league positions.
Additionally, emerging clubs like Lugazi FC and Mbale Heroes will be looking to make a strong impression, capitalizing on their fixtures to disrupt established giants.
League Venues and Matchday Experience
Matches will be played across iconic stadiums including:
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Hamz Stadium Nakivubo
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Mandela National Stadium Namboole
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Kavumba Recreation Centre
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Mbale City Stadium
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St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende
These venues are known for vibrant atmospheres that showcase the passion of Ugandan football fans.
2024/25 League Standings Recap
To provide context to the upcoming season, here’s a table summarizing the top 16 clubs’ standings from the previous 2024/25 season, indicating their form and potential heading into the new campaign:
| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vipers SC | 23 | 16 | 5 | 2 | 35 | 12 | +23 | 53 |
| 2 | NEC FC | 23 | 15 | 6 | 2 | 31 | 13 | +18 | 51 |
| 3 | BUL FC | 23 | 11 | 9 | 3 | 26 | 15 | +11 | 42 |
| 4 | URA FC | 23 | 12 | 3 | 8 | 30 | 18 | +12 | 39 |
| 5 | Kitara FC | 23 | 10 | 5 | 8 | 38 | 16 | +22 | 35 |
| 6 | KCCA FC | 23 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 29 | 20 | +9 | 34 |
| 7 | Maroons FC | 23 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 24 | 27 | -3 | 34 |
| 8 | SC Villa | 23 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 35 | 25 | +10 | 33 |
| 9 | UPDF FC | 23 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 19 | 26 | -7 | 29 |
| 10 | Express FC | 23 | 8 | 5 | 10 | 25 | 33 | -8 | 29 |
| 11 | Lugazi FC | 23 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 16 | 20 | -4 | 27 |
| 12 | Police FC | 23 | 5 | 11 | 7 | 20 | 22 | -2 | 26 |
| 13 | Mbarara City FC | 23 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 23 |
| 14 | Wakiso Giants FC | 23 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 33 | -18 | 18 |
| 15 | Bright Stars FC | 23 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 15 | 35 | -20 | 15 |
| 16 | Mbale Heroes | 23 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 11 | 45 | -34 | 10 |
Important Dates and Broadcast
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Season Start: 26th September 2025
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First Round End: 14th February 2026
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Matches will be broadcast live on StarTimes and other media platforms to increase accessibility and reach for fans nationwide and abroad.
Conclusion
The release of the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League fixtures heralds a fresh start for teams, supporters, and Ugandan football at large. With historic rivalries reignited and emerging sides eager to challenge, this season promises to be vibrant and highly competitive. The new three-round format introduced by FUFA aims at intensifying competition and offering more football action. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for the opening weekend and prepare for a season full of passion, skill, and unforgettable moments.