The number of participating clubs in the FUFA Big League will increase from 15 to 16 starting with the 2025–2026 season, in a move aimed at improving regional balance and structural parity within Uganda’s football pyramid.
The development was confirmed in an official communication dated July 9, 2025, and signed by FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson.
The letter, addressed to the Chairman of the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA), outlined the Executive Committee’s resolution to expand the league and allocate the newly created 16th slot to the Northern Region for the upcoming season only.
“This decision was reached upon by the need to ensure parity and balance in the structure of the league,” the letter read in part.
The temporary allocation of the extra slot to the Northern Region marks a significant step in FUFA’s broader agenda to bridge disparities in regional club representation.
The federation emphasized that the move reflects its continued commitment to equitable growth and inclusivity across Uganda’s footballing regions.
“In line with FUFA’s commitment to equitable regional representation and in recognition of the current disparity in regional club distribution, the Executive Committee has allocated the 16th slot to the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA), for only the season of 2025–2026,” the statement continued.
The expansion is expected to ease fixture congestion while enhancing competition in the country’s second-tier division.
To maintain long-term equity, FUFA also revealed plans to develop a revised promotion format that will ensure fair representation from all regions in future seasons.
The FUFA Big League serves as a critical gateway to top-flight football in Uganda, and this strategic adjustment signals FUFA’s continued efforts to strengthen the sport’s foundation and deliver balanced opportunities across the nation.
