The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has unveiled major amendments to its men’s club licensing regulations, significantly raising the standards for governance, financial management, infrastructure, and professionalism among Uganda Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season.
In a statement released after approval by the FUFA Executive Committee, the federation said the changes followed consultations with club chairpersons earlier this month and are intended to strengthen “professional standards, financial stability, transparency, infrastructure, youth development, and technical development” within Ugandan football.
One of the most significant reforms focuses on player and coach welfare.
Under the new regulations, club owners will now be required to sign legally binding guarantees committing to clear all contractual obligations owed to players and technical staff by the end of every season.
FUFA warned that owners associated with unpaid salaries and unresolved contractual disputes risk being blocked from owning football clubs in future.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all salary payments and sign-on fees for players and coaches must be processed strictly through official bank transfers originating from club accounts.
To strengthen compliance, clubs will also be required to submit verified proof of payment four times every season — in September, December, March, and June.
Any club found with overdue payables before transfer windows open will be barred from registering new players.
FUFA has also tightened technical requirements within clubs.
Starting January 2027, every Uganda Premier League side must employ a full-time technical director responsible for overseeing technical development structures.
In addition, both head coaches and assistant coaches will be required to hold at least a CAF A Coaching Diploma, although assistant coaches currently operating with CAF B licences under valid contracts will temporarily be granted a grace period.
The federation further directed clubs to appoint certified Safety and Security Officers to improve match-day organisation and crowd management at stadiums.
Women’s football development has also been made mandatory under the revised framework.
Beginning with the 2026/27 season, every Uganda Premier League club must either own a women’s football team directly or enter into a formal partnership with an existing women’s club.
The women’s teams will be expected to compete in recognised FUFA competitions and host matches at the same home venues used by the men’s teams.
FUFA also announced plans to establish a fully professional Uganda Women’s Premier League by the 2028/29 season, consisting exclusively of women’s clubs directly owned and financed by Uganda Premier League sides.
Only clubs operating fully structured women’s teams under their own identity and financing model from the 2026/27 season onwards will qualify to represent Uganda in future CAF women’s club competitions.
Youth development has equally been prioritised, with all top-flight clubs now required to own and operate a FUFA-licensed G2 academy as part of efforts to professionalise grassroots football and talent identification systems.
Off the pitch, clubs will now be required to maintain official domain-based email addresses as well as verified X and TikTok social media accounts.
Teams must also officially declare their primary, secondary, and tertiary club colours, including RGB colour codes, during the licensing process.
Financial accountability has received additional emphasis under the reforms.
FUFA stated that all clubs must formally document every financial transaction related to income and expenditure beginning July 2026 to facilitate independent auditing of financial statements.
Failure to maintain proper financial records during the 2026/27 financial period could result in denial of a club licence for the 2027/28 season.
To strengthen transparency and credibility in the licensing process, FUFA revealed that it has hired an independent professional consultancy firm to assess club submissions, inspect facilities, and compile reports that will guide final licensing decisions.
“FUFA remains committed to working collaboratively with all UPL clubs to raise standards across the board and to support clubs in meeting their licensing obligations,” the federation said.
