Bainamani addressing the media at UPL Secretariat offices in Mengo
David GOMBE
Uganda Premier League Secretariat CEO Bernard Bainamani Bampaire has confirmed that four clubs will be relegated at the end of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season as the league moves to return to a 16-team format.
Addressing journalists ahead of the new campaign, Bainamani said the expanded 18-team league this season is a transitional measure.
“We shall relegate four clubs this season, the last four, then the following season we shall receive two clubs from the FUFA Big League and this will take us back to a 16-team league,” Bainamani said.
The 2026/27 season will be the biggest in UPL history. Bainamani revealed that fixture release was delayed due to licensing challenges, but all 18 clubs have now been cleared.
“We could have released the fixtures a month before kickoff but due to the challenges we all know, that couldn’t happen. We thank all the 18 clubs for having obtained the license to participate in the 2026/27 UPL season. It has not been easy but at least they have finally made it,” he said.
“Next season we shall have 306 games compared to 240 games for last season and other seasons. Each club will play 34 games compared to 30 for the previous campaigns.”
The increase from 240 to 306 matches is expected to boost commercial value and playing time for players, with the season kicking off on August 28 with reigning champions Vipers taking on Entebbe UPPC at St.Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
On the introduction of late kick-offs, Bainamani said the league has agreed on a structured timing with broadcasters StarTimes.
“We have agreed with the broadcasters that only games for TV will be played at 8PM but the rest of the night games are for 7PM,” he clarified.
He added that KCCA FC, which had requested to host night games at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, needs more time to upgrade its floodlights.
“When we contacted KCCA, they told us they will need like a month to put up better lights for night matches. They requested to have their games played at 4PM,” Bainamani revealed.
The UPL CEO said inspections of floodlights for clubs intending to host night games are ongoing, with only fully certified venues allowed to stage matches after 7PM.