FUFA Introduces Major Club Licensing Reforms Ahead of 2026/27 UPL Season

FUFA has announced a series of major amendments to the Men’s Club Licensing Regulations that will govern all clubs participating in the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.

In Circular No. 1217 issued on May 15, 2026, FUFA stated that the changes are aimed at strengthening governance, professionalism, financial stability, infrastructure, youth development, and technical standards across Ugandan football.

The amendments were approved by the FUFA Executive Committee following a consultative meeting with Uganda Premier League club chairpersons held on May 7, 2026.

FUFA also confirmed that, starting with the 2026/27 season, an independent professional consultancy firm will be responsible for evaluating all club submissions, inspecting facilities, and presenting reports to the Club Licensing Committee for final decisions.

The revised regulations cover Financial, Legal, Infrastructure, Sporting, Administration, and Personnel Criteria.

Among the major changes introduced is a strict requirement on the payment of players and coaches.

All clubs will now be required to submit a formal Letter of Guarantee signed by club owners, committing themselves to the timely and full payment of players and coaches according to their contracts.

FUFA warned that any club owner found with overdue payables at the end of the season will no longer be eligible to own a football club.

In addition, all player and coach salaries, including sign-on fees, must effective July 1, 2026, be paid strictly through bank transfers from official club accounts to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Clubs will also be required to submit verified proof of payment on September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30 each season.

Any club that fails to provide proof of payment or is found with overdue payables before a transfer window opens will not be allowed to register new players during that transfer window.

FUFA further announced that, effective January 1, 2027, every Uganda Premier League club must appoint a full-time Technical Director responsible for overseeing the club’s technical development.

On coaching qualifications, both Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches will now be required to possess at least a CAF A Coaching Diploma.

However, FUFA granted a grace period to Assistant Coaches currently holding CAF B licenses with valid FUFA-registered contracts.

Clubs will also be required to appoint certified Safety and Security Officers responsible for safety management at their home venues.

One of the most significant reforms is the mandatory introduction of women’s football teams by all Uganda Premier League clubs.

Beginning with the 2026/27 season, every UPL club must either own a fully structured women’s football team or partner with an existing women’s football club.

For clubs already competing in the Uganda Premier League during the 2025/26 season, the women’s teams must participate in either the FUFA Women Super League or the FUFA Women Elite League.

Meanwhile, newly promoted clubs must have women’s teams competing at least in the FUFA Women’s Regional League.

FUFA also directed that women’s teams must host their home matches at the same venue as their respective men’s clubs.

Looking ahead, FUFA revealed plans to establish the Uganda Women’s Premier League beginning with the 2028/29 season. The league will exclusively feature women’s teams owned by Uganda Premier League clubs.

Additionally, only clubs that fully own women’s teams under their own badge and financing structure from the 2026/27 season onward will be eligible to represent Uganda in CAF Women’s Club Competitions.

FUFA also made it mandatory for all Uganda Premier League clubs to own and operate FUFA-licensed G2 Academies as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots football development and talent identification.

Other new requirements include the possession of official club domain email addresses, verified X and TikTok social media accounts, and the submission of official club colours together with their RGB colour codes during the licensing process.

On financial management, FUFA directed that all clubs must properly record every financial transaction related to income and expenditure beginning July 1, 2026, to facilitate mandatory audits and reviews of financial statements.

FUFA warned that any club that fails to maintain proper financial records for the 2026/27 period risks being denied a license for the 2027/28 season.

FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson Suubi stated that the federation remains committed to working closely with clubs to improve standards and ensure compliance with licensing obligations across Ugandan football.