Overview:
The 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League Round 1 Draws were held today. Officials pledged more competition and wider TV coverage under the new format. The season kicks off on 26th September 2025.
The Round 1 Draws of the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League were conducted this morning in an event broadcast live on Sanyuka Prime and FUFA TV. The exercise was organised in reference to Circular No. 1202 released by the governing body of football, FUFA, to all stakeholders. Full fixtures with dates and venues will be released on Thursday 28th August 2025.
Uganda Premier League CEO Bainamani Bernard Bampaire said the draw represented the first phase of implementing the reforms announced by FUFA.
‘We are here to conduct draws for round one of the 2025/26 season in line with the circular from the regulator. This is phase one of the implementation of reforms communicated to FUFA members and stakeholders.’
He added that the role of the media was vital in sharing information with the wider public.
‘We thank the media for what you have been doing and what you continue to do. Let’s walk the journey together as we move into a new season.’
StarTimes Uganda’s Junior Ssembatya described the past campaign as a success and pledged greater coverage this year.
Last season we broadcast 134 live games. With the new format we now have 264 fixtures and this gives us an opportunity to show more matches to the fans.
He encouraged stakeholders to remain committed.
‘It was a successful season for us at StarTimes and I kindly request for the same commitment in 2025/26.’
FUFA Media Services CEO Shawn Mubiru assured clubs that FUFA TV was ready to cover every game required and highlighted new opportunities for sponsorship visibility.
‘Even if the broadcaster told us to do all 264 games, we are ready. Sponsors of the clubs will have their adverts aired for free on FUFA TV which gives clubs a chance to create more value and attract partners.’
UPL Board Member Humphrey Mandu praised the combined effort of FUFA, StarTimes, clubs and the Secretariat.
‘It is quite an exciting moment. As the board we shall continue to play our strategic role of linking the regulator and the commercial world to keep the league contemporary.’
FUFA third vice president Honourable Nakiwala Florence Kiyingi spoke on behalf of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and commended the contribution of clubs and fans during CHAN 2024.
‘I thank the Premier League clubs for preparing players who raised the Ugandan flag at CHAN and I also thank the fans for their overwhelming attendance and vibrancy.’
She described the new season as a turning point.
‘Today’s draw is special because it is the first under the new league format. This is not just structural change but a shift in football culture in Uganda. We are building a league where no match is taken for granted.’
Looking ahead to kick-off on 26 September 2025, she called on supporters to rally behind their teams.
‘This season is for you, our dear fans. Let us fill the stadiums, let us trend the hashtags and let’s build a league where everybody is proud to call it the Uganda Premier League.’
The Round 1 draw of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League 2025/2026 season was attended by BUL FC, Buhimba United Saints FC, Calvary FC Midigo, Entebbe UPPC FC, Express FC, Lugazi FC, Maroons FC, NEC FC, Police FC, UPDF FC and URA FC.
KCCA FC and Vipers SC sent apologies.