The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced sweeping reforms to the management of football academies in Uganda, de-registering all existing academies and introducing a new licensing system in line with the National Sports Act, 2023.
The changes, outlined in Circular No. 1199 issued on May 9, 2025, mark a significant shift in how football academies will operate moving forward.
FUFA’s move aligns with Part VII, Section 50(2) of the National Sports Act, which requires all sports academies to obtain a license from the National Council of Sports (NCS), contingent on approval from the respective sports federation.
Effective immediately, all previously registered football academies are no longer recognized and must reapply under the new guidelines.
The first opportunity to do so will be during the next registration window from July 1 to 31, 2025.
Under the new framework, academies will be licensed through a tiered classification system ranging from A to D, with each license valid for two years.
Classification will depend on various criteria including infrastructure, governance, administration, sporting performance, and financial stability.
To apply, academies must submit a completed application form, proof of payment in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 24 of 2025, a valid membership certificate from the Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA), and a detailed list of players and coaches.
FUFA will only recommend academies that fully comply with both the national regulations and its own internal standards, as outlined in Regulation 29(2) of the National Sports Regulations 2025.
In addition to the July registration window, a second application period will be held annually from January 1 to 31.
FUFA say they will publish application guidelines and documentation at least 30 days before each registration window opens.
Academy operators and stakeholders have been advised to familiarize themselves with the FUFA Football Academies Regulations 2025 to ensure timely and compliant applications.
