The Federation of Uganda Football Associations has confirmed that the 2026 FUFA Juniors League will begin on March 7, with 16 youth teams from Uganda Premier League clubs competing in a revised three round format aimed at strengthening player development pathways.
Teams have been split into two groups named Treble and Hat-trick to ensure competitive balance while maintaining regional rivalries.
The Treble group features Entebbe UPPC FC JT, Vipers SC JT, URA FC JT, Express FC JT, SC Villa JT, Lugazi FC JT, BUL FC JT, and Mbarara City FC JT.
The Hat-trick group includes Calvary FC JT, Kitara FC JT, Buhimba United Saints FC JT, UPDF FC JT, NEC FC JT, Maroons FC JT, KCCA FC SA, and Police FC.
FUFA has introduced stricter squad composition rules to safeguard youth development and curb age related irregularities. Each club must submit a 25 player squad with five players born in 2008, fifteen born in 2009 or 2010, and five born in 2011. Each age bracket must include at least one goalkeeper, and all players will wear shirt numbers ranging from 41 to 70.
Age verification is scheduled for February 20 to 22, with clubs required to present official documentation such as NIRA birth certificates, passports, and signed parental consent forms before players are cleared to compete.
“The FUFA Juniors League is a cornerstone of our structured youth development pathway,” the federation stated. “It is designed to strengthen competitive opportunities for young players while supporting talent identification across the country.”
Vipers SC JT enter the season as defending champions after winning the 2025 edition, with rival academies preparing to challenge for the title when the competition kicks off next month.
