FUFA Unveils Major Reforms to Club Licensing Regulations for 2025/26 Season

By Spy Uganda

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced sweeping amendments to the Men’s and Women’s Club Licensing Regulations, set to take effect from the 2025/26 football season. The changes are part of FUFA’s ongoing efforts to elevate the standard of football in Uganda through the implementation of its Club Licensing System and the Technical Master Plan.

The revised regulations come after a series of nationwide capacity-building programmes targeting football coaches and administrators, aimed at boosting both the quality and quantity of qualified personnel in Ugandan football.

Key Changes to Coaching Requirements

Among the most significant updates are stricter qualifications for Head Coaches across the top tiers of Ugandan football:

• Uganda Premier League (UPL): Clubs must appoint Head Coaches with a minimum of a CAF A Coaching Diploma.
• FUFA Big League (FBL): Head Coaches are now required to hold at least a CAF B Coaching Diploma.
• FUFA Women Super League (FWSL): Only coaches with a CAF B Diploma will be eligible for Head Coach roles.

These requirements are intended to ensure technical excellence and consistency across all competitive levels.

Club Administration Goes Pro

In a strong move toward the professionalisation of football club management, FUFA has introduced mandatory qualifications for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs):

• UPL Clubs: CEOs must possess a minimum FAMACO III certificate.
• FWSL and FBL Clubs: CEOs must have at least a FAMACO II certificate.

The move is expected to enhance the administrative competence of football clubs, aligning with global standards in football governance.

Promoting Gender Inclusivity in Club Structures

FUFA has also introduced a landmark regulation under the sporting criteria: all Uganda Premier League clubs must now operate a women’s football team. These teams must compete in either the FUFA Women Super League or the FUFA Women Elite League. Existing women’s teams must be active participants in official FUFA competitions.

This progressive mandate is seen as a significant step toward gender inclusivity and the sustainable development of women’s football in Uganda.

Strengthening Club Affiliation Structures

In accordance with FUFA Circular No. 1189, beginning in the 2025/26 season, all FWSL clubs must be affiliated with an active men’s football club from the Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League, or the Regional League. This structural alignment is expected to foster shared resources, management support, and mutual growth between men’s and women’s teams.

A Vision for the Future

FUFA’s latest amendments underscore a broader vision to professionalise the game at every level, from coaching and management to inclusive club structures. With these regulations, the federation aims to cultivate a football environment that is competitive, equitable, and aligned with continental and global best practices.

As the 2025/26 season approaches, clubs across Uganda will be racing to meet the new standards—a challenge that promises to reshape the landscape of Ugandan football for the better.