CHIMP SPORT: FUFA Pilots Split League Format in Kampala Regional Division

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has struck an agreement with 18 Kampala Regional Football Association (Third Division) clubs to introduce a new split league format for the 2025/26 season.

The move marks a strategic shift by FUFA, which plans to test the system in a lower division after its earlier attempt to implement a similar format in the Uganda Premier League was suspended following resistance from clubs and supporters.

Under the pilot structure, the 18 teams will play each other once in the opening phase of the season. The standings will then determine two separate groups—the top nine and the bottom nine.

The top half will compete for the championship and promotion, while the lower half will fight to avoid relegation.

FUFA has earmarked more than UGX 800 million to fund the initiative. The money will go toward prize money, player and referee bonuses, man-of-the-match awards, and operational costs for the Kampala Regional League.

The eventual champions will pocket UGX 20 million, the biggest prize ever offered at this level, while additional incentives will be awarded throughout the campaign to encourage competitiveness and professionalism.

FUFA officials say the pilot will act as a practical test before the model is considered for rollout across other divisions. Both FUFA executives and representatives from all 18 clubs endorsed the proposal during a meeting in Kampala, which FUFA described as “constructive and forward-looking.”

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