The 2025/26 Uganda Premier League season, which kicks off this Friday, September 25, is still dominated by the debate about the new league format.
While it is a format that has received stiff resistance from the general public, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa), which is behind its introduction, has continued to find ways of polishing it up so that it is more appealing.
That aside, there has been a lot of activity in the off-season across the different football clubs in terms of football transfers. There should certainly be a lot to look forward to.
Coach Abdallah Mubiru, who was sacked by KCCA FC last season, has since found a new home in Entebbe, as the head coach of UPPC FC. As Mubiru looks forward to a fresh start, he says: “We want to be very competitive. Many people may see us as a small club that just won promotion, but we have tried to bring in some really good players.”
UPPC has been quite busy in the market. But one fundamental aspect about their buys has been the acquisition of players that fit Mubiru’s philosophy. Therefore, expect attack-minded possession-based football in Entebbe.
The likes of Noordin Bunjo, Bright Anukani and Hassan Ssenyonjo, previously with Wakiso Giants, are expected to form the midfield trident. This should be a midfield to marvel at, capable of dominating play and creating chances.
In addition, SC Villa won the Fufa Super 8 cup last week, following their 2-0 win over NEC FC. Forward Reagan Mpande is now the new kid on the block. Having scored The Cranes first goal at the recent Chan tournament, his confidence has continued to grow.
So much attention is going to be on him, as fans monitor his progress, and whether it was not a flash in the pan. Notably, following failure last season, KCCA has let go of so many players in the off-season.
But the arrival of coach Brian Ssenyondo, to join coach Jackson Magera in a coaching duo, has brought in some exciting talents such as full-back Lazarus Bwambale. The former Kitara FC player is expected to boost KCCA’s attacking threat from the right.
And if he continues to develop as he has been, his crosses should come in handy for striker Emmanuel Anyama, who seems to have come of age. Anyama’s form at the end of last season produced six goals in four games, earning him a slot in Cranes’ Chan team. No doubt, he should be a mainstay in KCCA’s attack.
Perhaps it was the same that KCCA had in mind during their attempts to extend Arafat Usama’s contract at the end of last season. Unfortunately, the player chose to dump the yellows for their rivals, Vipers SC.
Surely, winger Usama is a curious acquisition for Vipers. Where he fits in a team is a likely teaser for the youthful forward. This is because at Vipers, the attack has largely been dominated by Milton Karisa, Yunus Ssentamu and the best player last season, Allan Okello.
Usama was regarded as the antidote to Okello at KCCA. Both left footers and playing in similar roles.
Friday, September 25, 2025
- BULFC v URAFC @4pm (Fufa Technical Centre) Entebbe
- UPPCFC v Buhimba United @4pm (Bugonga Fisheries Ground)
- KitaraFC v KCCAFC @4pm (Butema, Hoima)
- LugaziFC v Calvary @4pm (Najjembe)
- PoliceFC v MbararaCity @4pm (Kira Road Police Ground)
- ExpressFC v UPDFFC @8pm (Nakivubo stadium)