The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has released an update on the licensing approvals for the upcoming 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.
In a significant development, only two clubs; Kitara FC and KCCA FC, have fully secured their licenses, while eight other clubs, including Vipers SC, are still pending approval.
The other clubs that are still pending approval include Express, URA, UPDF, Wakiso Giants, Maroons, as well as newly promoted sides Police and Mbale Heroes.
According to FUFA, these clubs have failed to meet the minimum requirement of having 18 players approved on the FUFA Connect System, which is essential for their participation in the league.
The federation has set a final deadline for next Thursday, August 15, for the clubs to complete the licensing process. Failure to do so could result in their exclusion from next season, which kicks off on Friday, September 13, 2024.
In the 2022/23 season, Kyetume FC were expelled for failing to meet player registration criteria, and more recently, Arua Hill was relegated midway through last season for non-compliance with mandatory licensing requirements.
Vipers, according to the information provided, has so far had only 10 players approved for the next season.
However, the club has been active in the transfer market, securing several new signings including Derrick Ndahiro, Nicholas Wadada, striker Kenneth Kimera, and Angolan midfielder Pedro Sukuya.
Speaking to NBS Sport, Vipers CEO Simon Peter Njuba expressed confidence that the club would fulfill all licensing requirements before the final deadline. “Discussions are still ongoing with FUFA,” he said.
Earlier today, the Venoms officially announced the departure of seven players following the expiry of their contracts including goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora, who joined Tanzania’s KMC FC, Murushid Juuko and Bright Anukani, who returned to KCCA.
Martin Kizza, Marvin Joseph Youngman, who is reportedly exploring a move abroad, Ashraf Mandela, who joined Police FC, and Isa Mubiru, who joined rivals KCCA, are also among the exits confirmed.
Meanwhile, SC Villa, BUL, NEC, Bright Stars, Mbarara City, and newly promoted Lugazi FC have been granted provisional licenses by FUFA after meeting the minimum requirement of 18 players.
These clubs are required to fulfill additional best practice criteria by the start of the second half of next season to secure their full licenses.
