Uganda Premier League (UPL) board chairman Arinaitwe Rugyendo has disclosed that three potential sponsors have withdrawn their interest in supporting the league due to the ongoing standoff over the new competition format introduced by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
In September, FUFA announced sweeping changes to the 2025/26 league structure, altering the number of matches, the championship-deciding process, and relegation rules.
The reforms have met stiff resistance from several clubs, including reigning champions Vipers, who have refused to play under the new system.
Fans have also expressed frustration, with some launching boycott campaigns that have led to reduced match attendance across several venues.
Appearing on NBS Sport, Rugyendo revealed that the wrangling has already had financial consequences for the league’s growth.
“Can we look at the big picture? I will not mention them because of confidentiality issues, but three potential sponsors who were supposed to come in this season have pulled back,” he said.
“They had started to see growth and good infrastructure where they could advertise, but the quarrelling has discouraged them.”
The new three-round format aims to make the competition “faster, fiercer, and fairer.” In the first round, all 16 clubs play each other once before splitting into two groups — the top eight and bottom eight — for home-and-away fixtures in the second round.
The third round introduces one-leg playoffs to decide both the champions and relegated teams. The top six from Group 1 will contest for the title, while the bottom six from Group 2 will fight to avoid relegation.
FUFA argues that the changes will enhance competitiveness and fan engagement, but several clubs, including SC Villa and NEC, have raised concerns about financial viability, revenue-sharing arrangements, mandatory data sharing, and the new player registration policy.
The impasse has sparked widespread concern among football stakeholders, who fear the reforms could undermine the league’s recent progress if not resolved soon.
FUFA officials and representatives from UPL clubs are expected to meet today to seek a compromise, though it remains unclear whether Vipers will attend the talks.