The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) successfully concluded the FUFA–UPL Club Licensing Workshop for the 2026/27 season on Tuesday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
The workshop brought together club officials from all 18 Uganda Premier League clubs to discuss the latest club licensing requirements, timelines and compliance measures ahead of the new season.
The engagement focused on the implementation of the FUFA Men’s Club Licensing Regulations and the various criteria clubs must fulfil as part of the licensing process. Key areas included sporting, infrastructure, administrative, legal and financial requirements aimed at strengthening professionalism and improving standards across Ugandan football.
Speaking after the workshop, Blacks Power FC Chief Executive Officer Edison Sabasaba welcomed the engagement and encouraged clubs to embrace the evolving licensing framework.
‘This has been a great reminder of our club professional agenda that we have had before. Going into club licensing means a lot for each club. There are a lot of things that have changed and there are new parameters and criteria. The emphasis is to change the game and when rules come like this, the most important thing is to embrace them so that we can achieve the objectives we want.’
‘The intention of FUFA is to make sure that football becomes the number one sport on and off the field. As clubs, we are the biggest stakeholders in football in this country and these regulations help us understand that it is not only about playing the game but also about protecting it.’
‘What gives me confidence is that we have people who can initiate the entire club licensing process and a management team that is committed to ensuring that Blacks Power competes in the Uganda Premier League.’
FUFA Club Licensing Committee Chairman Jeremiah Mugerwa described the workshop as productive and insightful, noting that club representatives actively participated throughout the discussions.
‘I must say it was a very fruitful and engaging workshop where people poured out their hearts. The essence was to ensure that we change mindsets and encourage positivity because everything starts with the leaders of the respective clubs. If you are to bring change, it has to begin with you.’
‘We shared a lot and they learned a lot. We also got to understand their concerns but at the end of the day we assured them that all is well if we are to move this beautiful game of football from one stage to another. It has been a very positive and excellent engagement.’
Mugerwa also praised the turnout, revealing that all Uganda Premier League clubs were represented.
‘We have had 100 per cent attendance. All the 18 clubs have been represented and all the 18 CEOs attended today’s workshop. We do not take this for granted. We are glad and happy because it shows that we are on the right path towards better football in the country.’
He further explained that the next phase of the licensing process will involve physical inspections and assessments at club facilities.
‘From here, we are going to have physical engagements with contracted firms that will undertake the necessary assessments and evaluate the required parameters. They will be accompanied by representatives from the Club Licensing Committee to ensure the best work is done. This is a process that will continue for almost one and a half months before it is concluded.’
The club licensing process will continue with the opening of the Club Licensing Online Platform and the commencement of club inspections before licensing decisions are made ahead of the start of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.
