The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has directed Vipers Sports Club to honour all its fixtures in the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League despite the club’s announcement that it will not participate in the newly introduced league format.
In a Thursday evening letter, FUFA acknowledged receipt of Vipers’ objections but emphasized that the competition reforms had already been exhaustively discussed, passed, and implemented.
“FUFA wishes to clarify to you that the issues raised by Vipers SC were formally responded to in our various consultative meetings where you attended in person and involving all the 1st Division Clubs’ Officials,” Edgar Watson FUFA’s Chief Executive Officer wrote.
He reminded the Vipers leadership, headed by club president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, that the federation held several engagements—including meetings at Serena Hotel on August 27 and September 2—where reforms were deliberated and adjustments made.
“It is also regrettable that you opted to walk out of the same meeting where a number of modifications as proposed by the other clubs were incorporated in the reforms,” Watson stated, adding that FUFA had since issued official circulars, regulations, and fixtures under which the season had already commenced.
According to FUFA, Vipers SC had already applied for a club license and signed compliance Form 901, confirming its participation in the 2025/26 season. On this basis, the club was included in the official fixture list released on September 23.
“Consequently, Vipers SC is expected to honour all its fixtures for the 2025/26 1st Division League inclusive of Match No. 15 scheduled for October, 4, 2025,” the FUFA CEO stressed.
FUFA maintained that it has “no intention of disrespecting or side-lining any of its members” but underscored that 12 matches had already been played under the new regulations, meaning the league was fully operational.
The standoff follows Vipers SC’s announcement on Thursday that they would not play in Saturday’s highly anticipated double-header against Kitara FC at Namboole Stadium, citing dissatisfaction with the league reforms.
The developments set up a tense showdown between the four-time league champions and the federation, with fans eagerly watching whether Vipers will defy FUFA’s directive or turn up for the Saturday clash.
