UPL AGM! Historic Gov’t Support Takes Centre Stage as Clubs Meet in Hoima
By Our Reporter
HOIMA – Uganda’s top-flight football clubs have received a major financial boost after Government extended a direct subvention to the Uganda Premier League (UPL) for the first time in the history of the country’s football administration.
The historic intervention was revealed during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the FUFA Super League Limited (FSLL) held at HB Hotel in Hoima City on Saturday.
FSLL Chairman Dr Arinaitwe Rugyendo described the Government funding as a major turning point for Ugandan football, saying it signals growing confidence in the administration and credibility of the league.
Rugyendo said the support goes beyond the financial injection, arguing that Government backing gives the UPL greater credibility when negotiating with sponsors, investors and other private-sector partners.
“Government support of this nature means far more than the money itself. It is a stamp of pedigree on our league,” Rugyendo said.
He said the Government intervention demonstrates that the UPL is now recognised as a serious and strategically important institution, adding that increased public confidence should translate into better sponsorship deals, stronger broadcast value and more investment in clubs.
‘DON’T MISUSE THE CASH’
But as clubs celebrate the new funding, Rugyendo issued a strong warning against misuse of the money.
He urged club chairmen and chief executive officers to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purposes, including strengthening club administration, developing players, improving facilities and enhancing the welfare of football stakeholders.
“Do not abuse the Government subvention. Use these resources for the purpose for which they were intended,” he warned.
Rugyendo said he had received assurances that Government support could increase substantially if clubs demonstrate financial discipline, transparency and responsible management of the funds.
“We hold in our hands not just today’s support, but the case for tomorrow’s increase. Let us not be the generation that closes a door that took over a decade to open,” he said.
‘DON’T FORGET THE 19TH CLUB’
The FSLL chairman also appealed to Government to consider supporting what he described as the league’s “19th club” — the UPL Secretariat and UPL SACCO.
He said the Government subvention is going directly to the 18 clubs, but the league’s administrative structures also require additional logistical support.
Rugyendo said FUFA had promised to strengthen the Secretariat with more logistics but was also operating under financial constraints.
“Since this money is going directly to the 18 clubs, we reiterate our appeal to Government to think about the 19th club, which is the UPL Secretariat and UPL SACCO,” he said.
He added that the appeal had already been submitted to Ministry officials.
MUSEVENI GOV’T PRAISED
Rugyendo heaped praise on the Government, the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council of Sports for helping secure the funding.
He singled out First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni for taking interest in the league’s financial challenges and ordering the intervention.
He also praised Ministry spokesperson Dr Dennis Mugimba, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, National Council of Sports chairman Ambrose Tashobya and General Secretary Dr Bernard Ogwel for their roles in the process.
VIPERS, KITARA CELEBRATED
On the sporting front, Rugyendo congratulated Vipers SC for winning the UPL title, although the club’s continental campaign ended before reaching the next stage.
He also praised hosts Kitara FC for winning the Uganda Cup and securing a place in the CAF Confederation Cup, where the club progressed to the next stage.
Rugyendo said the quality of football in the league continues to improve, alongside refereeing and match organisation.
He nevertheless warned that match-fixing remains a major threat and called for continued vigilance.
NEW MARKETING PUSH
The league also reported progress in its commercial drive, with the marketing department strengthened through the appointment of sports marketer Saddam Bulaga.
Rugyendo said Bulaga had already opened discussions with potential partners, including companies in the coffee, beverage and other sectors.
The chairman said the league had also recorded progress in governance, club licensing, administration, infrastructure, capacity building and compliance with football regulations.
He said the FSLL has strengthened its legal and human resources capacity through the deployment of an in-house lawyer, Mercy Keinembabazi, to handle contracts, rules, memoranda of understanding and other league documents.
The AGM also praised Kitara FC for hosting the meeting and encouraged other clubs to offer to host future FSLL annual meetings.
Rugyendo said the historic Government funding should now provide the foundation for clubs to become more professional, financially disciplined and competitive.
“Let us go from this Annual General Meeting more united, more disciplined and more determined to build on this historic milestone,” he said.
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