The FUFA President, Moses Magogo unveiling the finance package
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has rolled out a new prize structure for the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League, raising the total fund to Shs 532 million, up from Shs 128 million last season.
Under the new format, the eventual champions will pocket Shs 100 million, a rise from Shs 60 million, while the runners-up will claim Shs 62 million, more than triple the Shs 20 million of last season. The third-placed side is set to earn Shs 56 million compared to Shs 9 million, and fourth place will walk away with Shs 50 million, up from Shs 7 million.
The financial uplift extends throughout the table:
* 5th place: Shs 44m (up from Shs 5m)
* 6th: Shs 40m (from 4.5m)
* 7th: Shs 34m (from 4m)
* 8th: Shs 30m (from 3.5m)
* 9th: Shs 27m (from 3m)
* 10th: Shs 23m (from 2.5m)
* 11th: Shs 21m (from 2.4m)
* 12th: Shs 17m (from 2.3m)
* 13th: Shs 13m (from 2.2m)
* 14th: Shs 9m (from 1m)
* 15th: Shs 4m (from 700,000)
* 16th: Shs 2m (from 500,000)
In total, the prize pool has expanded by 316.8%, with FUFA committing Shs 3.4 billion for the entire season. Beyond prize money, the package will cover Shs 1.2 billion for player insurance, Shs 240 million for media and marketing, UGX 100 million in direct grants to clubs, and Shs 74 million for man-of-the-match awards in rounds two and three.
Despite the improved incentives, resistance to the new format remains strong. Leading clubs Vipers SC, SC Villa, and NEC FC have rejected the changes, arguing that FUFA forced through the reforms without consensus.
Vipers SC president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa openly criticized the process:
“They want to dictate over all the issues. They wanted to intimidate, which I cannot accept, and use means that are unacceptable in football,” he said.
Mulindwa confirmed he stormed out of a meeting in protest, stressing his long-standing contribution to Ugandan football.
“I want to see football winning and growing. That is my major aim, because I have done a lot for the football industry. But I cannot support such an arrangement,” he added.
With the clock ticking toward kickoff, the standoff between FUFA and some of the league’s most influential clubs remains unresolved. The question is whether compromise can be reached in time to ensure a smooth start to the new season.
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