The Uganda Premier League (UPL) has introduced a new format for the 2025/26 season, combining a revamped competition structure with stronger club licensing and professionalism measures. This article organizes the key elements of the new league system and presents infographics to clarify the changes.
Overview of the New Uganda Premier League Format
Aspect | Details |
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Competition Rounds | Three rounds of fixtures in the Premier League season |
Relegation Playoff | The 14th placed team plays a two-legged playoff against the 3rd placed FUFA Big League team |
Promotion Opportunity | 3rd placed FUFA Big League team gets a chance for promotion via playoff |
Automatic Relegation | Bottom two Premier League teams (15th, 16th) are automatically relegated |
Season Start | Late September kickoff preceded by the FUFA Super 8 tournament involving top 8 teams |
Licensing Requirements | Stricter club licensing including mandatory women’s teams, certified coaches, and qualified CEOs |
New Relegation and Promotion System
Premier League Team Standing | Outcome |
---|---|
15th, 16th | Automatic relegation to FUFA Big League |
14th | Enters home-and-away relegation playoff against 3rd placed FUFA Big League team |
1st and 2nd places | Secure direct qualification for next season (no relegation concerns) |
FUFA Big League Team Standing | Outcome |
---|---|
1st, 2nd | Automatic promotion to Uganda Premier League |
3rd | Enters relegation playoff against 14th placed Uganda Premier League team |
FUFA Club Licensing Criteria for 2025/26 Season
Licensing Element | Requirements |
---|---|
Coaching Staff | Mandatory certified coaching diplomas for technical staff |
Women’s Football Teams | Each club must maintain a women’s team competing officially |
Club Administration | CEOs and officials must have professional qualifications |
Infrastructure | Minimum standards for stadia, training facilities, and medical support |
Season Structure and Key Competitions
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FUFA Super 8 Tournament: A pre-season competition featuring the top 8 teams from the previous season to prepare for the league.
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FUFA Super Cup: Played as a curtain-raiser, typically between the league champions and cup winners or runners-up.
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Match Scheduling: Structured in three rounds, providing multiple opportunities for teams to compete and improve their standings.
Summary
The new Uganda Premier League format reflects FUFA’s commitment to delivering a more competitive, professional, and balanced football environment. The introduction of the playoff system for the 14th placed team ensures vigorous competition at the bottom of the table and opportunities for ambitious FUFA Big League clubs. Alongside tightened club licensing regulations, these reforms are poised to enhance the quality and sustainability of Ugandan football.
Fans and stakeholders can expect a thrilling season with more meaningful matches and improved organizational standards, positioning Uganda’s top flight for growth on the African football stage.