KAMPALA, Uganda – As a major dispute over a new league format threatens to derail the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League (UPL) season, title sponsor and broadcaster StarTimes has issued an official statement clarifying its position, emphasizing neutrality while urging for a resolution to protect the sport.
The controversy stems from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) introducing a new three-round structure for the StarTimes UPL. The format would split teams into competitive and relegation groups after two rounds, a move that has prompted boycotts from top clubs like Vipers SC and sparked significant fan discontent.
In a statement released on Friday, October 10, 2025, StarTimes Uganda sought to distance itself from the administrative decision, stating it “does not administer the league and therefore has nothing to do with its reforms, regulation or management.”
The company, represented by Vice President Aldrine Nsubuga SNR, confirmed that its tripartite sponsorship agreement with FUFA and the Uganda Premier League is “not tied to a specific format.” Despite the ongoing turmoil, StarTimes committed to fulfilling its broadcast duties, confirming it “will continue to broadcast live all the fixtures we have selected for the first round of the 2025/26 season.”
However, the broadcaster also issued a cautious note to the football authorities, emphasizing that FUFA and UPL have an obligation to manage the change so that it “does not cause a negative image to the StarTimes UPL or cause dissent to the fans.” It highlighted that fans and clubs are key stakeholders and customers whose interests are important.
The standoff has drawn the attention of the government, with Sports Minister Hamis Bidandi Saali warning of potential intervention as match attendance drops and conflicts between FUFA and protesting clubs escalate.
While StarTimes has pledged support for any efforts to “bring calm to the game” and “restore fans confidence,” the ball now appears to be firmly in the court of the football authorities to resolve the deepening crisis and save the season.
