The long brewing conflict between defending champions Vipers SC and Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has taken a bitter route as the team declined to participate in the opening match of the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League (UPL) season.
The match scheduled against Kitara FC this Saturday remains uncertain as Vipers SC continue to boycott the new UPL reforms.
The club states that the boycott is a direct result of the FUFA failing to address their serious concerns about the new league structure.
In an official statement dated Thursday October 2nd 2025, the club’s president, Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, declared their stand in the matter.
“We regret to inform you that as Vipers SC, we shall not be participating in the announced new format double header match against Kitara FC or any further engagement in the new League format,” Dr Mulindwa said.
The club argued that the new format is being rushed and shows a “total disregard” for the immense effort and investment made by privately-owned clubs.
He stated this action will stand until FUFA provides a formal response and resolution of the raised concerns that touch the integrity of the game.
In response, FUFA has maintained that Vipers SC is obligated to play. The federation, through its CEO Edgar Watson, stated that all concerns were previously addressed in consultative meetings and official circulars sent to all clubs.
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FUFA also emphasized that Vipers SC had applied for a league license, signed necessary compliance forms, and were included in the published fixtures. Therefore, the federation expects the champions to “honour all its matches,” including the high-profile opener against Kitara.
The standoff has left fans divided and confused. Many supporters back the club’s stand for fairness. A fan, Ruta Muhammad, echoed the sentiments of a growing boycott movement, saying, “We are the consumers of the game and we are not paying to watch a format of our game driven by greed, selfishness and unfairness.”
However, other fans are left stranded, unsure of what to do with tickets already purchased for the highly anticipated Saturday game.
Vipers SC has thanked its supporters and “genuine football lovers” for their encouragement, vowing to use all available means within the confines of the football laws to seek justice.
As the clock ticks down to the season’s start, Ugandan football faces a tense wait to see if its champion club or its governing body will blink first.
