The Uganda Premier League (UPL) Secretariat has issued a comprehensive response to Vipers Sports Club’s recent decision and remarks regarding their refusal to play in the earlier scheduled double header against Kitara FC.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 9, the Secretariat emphasized its unwavering commitment to maintaining transparency, collaboration, and unity among all member clubs, highlighting the shared goal of advancing Ugandan football.
“The ongoing league season began with the participation and support of fifteen registered clubs, each embracing the new competition reforms after thoughtful and inclusive consultations apart from Vipers Sports Club. The Football Association and UPL Secretariat remain committed to fostering an open and collaborative relationship with Vipers SC, and will continue reaching out in good faith to work together toward the shared goals and bright future of Ugandan Football,” the statement read.
The Secretariat further revealed that Vipers SC has received a total of UGX 110 million within the past three months as part of their rightful earnings, including UGX 60 million for winning the 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League title.
UPL also addressed the recent two-year contract threshold reform, clarifying that it was adopted collectively by clubs to strike a balance between player welfare and club investment sustainability, a principle widely applied in other footballing jurisdictions across the globe.
Responding to remarks allegedly made by Vipers SC referring to fellow league teams as “small clubs,” the UPL Secretariat reaffirmed that all clubs in the league are equal stakeholders, each possessing the same shares and voting rights in the company.
“Every club in the Premier League is a valued member of the football family. No team is greater or smaller; every club contributes significantly to the growth and success of the game,” the Secretariat stated.
Clarifying the issue of double headers, UPL explained that the arrangement is not mandatory, but rather a flexible scheduling mechanism designed to enhance fan engagement, media visibility, and matchday excitement between any two willing clubs.
In conclusion, the Secretariat assured the football fraternity and all stakeholders that the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League season will proceed as planned, guided by principles of fairness, integrity, and the shared vision of elevating Ugandan football.
“We assure all fans, players, and stakeholders that the season will continue smoothly, with unity and collaboration at the heart of every decision made for the good of the game,” the statement concluded.
