Africa-Press – Uganda. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has come under scrutiny for continuing to market Saturday’s Uganda Premier League (UPL) double-header at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, despite reigning champions Vipers’s confirmed withdrawal from the fixture.
The double-header—headlined by KCCA against SC Villa under floodlights, and Vipers versus Kitara earlier in the evening—was promoted aggressively by Fufa on Friday, with the federation urging fans to “grab their tickets now.”
But on Wednesday, Vipers president Lawrence Mulindwa had issued a firm statement confirming that his club would “not participate in the new league format double-header game against Kitara… until Fufa formally and respectfully responds to the issues raised in our various correspondences and petitions.”
Mulindwa’s letter accuses the federation of “disrespect, blackmail, and ridicule” over its handling of the new three-round league system, which he said was imposed without consultation or consideration of financial risks to clubs.
But Fufa, used to getting its way with the feeble-minded clubs, is accused of being determined once again to go ahead with its plans without consideration for the concerns of its key stakeholders – the clubs.
Fufa’s social media and ticketing outlets on Saturday continued advertising the double-header as if both matches would proceed as scheduled.
That move has drawn accusations of deception and possible fraud from fans and critics who say the federation is selling tickets for a match that may not take place.
“This is daylight fraud,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “How can Fufa keep selling tickets for a game they know one team has officially withdrawn from? They are taking fans for fools.”
Another angry supporter posted: “We are tired of this impunity. If Vipers are not playing, what are we paying for? Refunds will be chaos.”
Discontent has spread beyond Vipers’ base. Several KCCA, Villa and Express supporters – the three top clubs in Kampala whose VEK armour used to drive league agenda in the years before Moses Magogo took over at Mengo – expressed anger at their clubs for “bowing to Fufa’s bullying” and proceeding with the new league format despite widespread opposition from clubs and fans.
“KCCA management is disappointing us,” said a fan. “They should stand with Vipers and other clubs against this sham of a format. From today, I am #TeamVipers.”
KCCA’s official X account was littered with protests by fans who accused the club of betraying them. Many said they would shift allegiance to Vipers.
Similar sentiments were echoed across fan groups, many threatening to boycott league matches until Fufa reverses its reforms or formally addresses club grievances. Online hashtags such as #BoycottUPL and #RespectTheGame trended on Friday night.
Vipers’ stance has also emboldened other clubs, including SC Villa and NEC, which have previously voiced concerns about the reforms.
On Friday, Jogoos supremo Omar Mandela released a terse statement against the federation but stopped shot of declaring boycott, saying instead their continued participation was solely for the technical team and the playing staff.
The 2025/26 UPL format introduces a controversial three-round system: an initial one-leg round for all 16 clubs, followed by split home-and-away rounds, and final one-leg playoffs to determine champions and relegated teams.
Fufa insists the system will make the league “faster, fiercer, and fairer,” but clubs argue it will instead disrupt revenue flows, reduce home match earnings, and create logistical confusion.
They have also criticized Fufa’s unilateral approach, citing lack of consultation and disregard for stakeholder input.
Mulindwa—who led Fufa from 2005 to 2013 before handing over to current president Moses Magogo—warned that his club will “use all available means within the confines of football laws” to protect its independence.
Legal analysts and fan groups say Fufa’s continued sale of tickets for a fixture it knows may not happen could amount to fraud under consumer protection laws if buyers are not informed of the risk.
As of Saturday morning, Fufa had not issued any statement clarifying the situation or offering refund assurances. The federation’s social media accounts continued promoting the “Namboole double-header” featuring both matches.
The standoff now threatens to overshadow the return of league football to the renovated Namboole Stadium. With just hours to kickoff, uncertainty lingers over whether the Vipers–Kitara fixture will proceed, be cancelled, or replaced.
Whether Saturday’s matches go ahead or not, the controversy has already deepened the rift between Fufa and clubs—raising fresh doubts about the integrity and sustainability of the new league era.
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