Overview:
Uganda Premier League Board Chairperson Arinaitwe Rugendo has explained the suspension of the new league format, emphasising consultation and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the game.
The StarTimes Uganda Premier League will revert to the previous season’s format following the decision to suspend the newly introduced league format.
This decision comes after the FUFA Executive Committee, in consultation with the Uganda Premier League Board, league sponsors and the clubs, agreed to halt the implementation of the new structure for the 2025/2026 season.
According to Uganda Premier League Board Chairperson Arinaitwe Rugyendo, the decision was reached after extensive engagement with various stakeholders aimed at preserving the integrity and image of the game.
‘We have withdrawn it to study it more, test it more, consult more, and educate, inform and sensitise the public, particularly the fans, to understand it better,’ Rugendo explained.
He emphasised that the process was informed by internal consultations and feedback from the football community.
‘We have been making lots of consultations, and as a board we chose to speak to all sides that had concerns. We wanted to reach a conclusion that protects the image of the game and supports football. Football must win first before any individual interests or opinions,’ he added.
Rugendo also revealed that the matter was discussed during the recent annual general meeting of the Federation of Uganda Football Leagues and that the clubs had initially agreed to proceed with the new format to assess its feasibility.
‘However, there have been many concerns, especially from fans on social media. We reviewed all the feedback, assessed it, and arrived at this decision,’ he said.
The suspension gives stakeholders additional time to understand the proposed reforms before further implementation.