FUFA President Moses Magogo has promised sweeping reforms and fresh investment to breathe new life into the Uganda Premier League (UPL).
Speaking in Jinja at the 12th Annual General Meeting of FUFA Super League Limited (FSLL), Magogo vowed that Uganda’s top flight will no longer rely on goodwill and sacrifice alone.
FUFA’s Hand in the League
Magogo dismissed claims that FUFA had abandoned the UPL, reminding stakeholders that the Federation is one of FSLL’s 17 shareholders. “The league is our flagship brand, we cannot walk away from it,” he said.
He praised the FSLL board for steadying the competition after years of internal wrangles.
And applauded FUFA’s third vice president Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi for building bridges between the Federation and the clubs.
Money Still the Biggest Problem
Despite progress, Magogo admitted the league’s finances remain fragile.
“Our biggest problem is money. Right now, clubs are being carried by private individuals digging into their own pockets. That is not sustainable,” he warned.
FUFA is responding with a direct cash injection of more than $950,000. It’s biggest investment ever in the competition.
New league offices, professional staffing at the secretariat and match data officers are also on the way.
Raising the Bar on Governance
Magogo also served notice that clubs must raise their standards. Annual general meetings will soon become a licensing requirement.
“No AGM, no licence,” he declared. “Even privately-owned clubs must hold them with FUFA present.”
Football’s Moment of Opportunity
The FUFA boss described Uganda’s football landscape as the best it has ever been.
Citing peace, the new National Sports Act, bigger government funding and the construction of modern stadiums in Hoima and Lira.
He welcomed newly promoted sides Entebbe UPPC FC, Calvary FC and Buhimba United Saints FC, and commended BUL FC for hosting the AGM.
Keeping Talent at Home
Magogo warned that the league’s growth depends on keeping top players.
“When our stars leave, the competition suffers and becomes harder to sell. We need money to make money”.
He pointed to FUFA’s Technical Master Plan as a blueprint for developing talent and strengthening clubs.
Call for Unity
His final message was one of solidarity: “Reforms may feel uncomfortable, but we cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results. Let us give change a chance. A stronger league means stronger clubs and more revenue.”
