Fans all over Uganda are excited as the StarTimes Uganda Premier League is set to kick off on Friday, August 28, with a thrilling match between Vipers and Entebbe UPPC at the St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende.
Vipers, the defending champion, will look to continue their dominance of the tournament, while Entebbe UPPC will aim to cause an upset.
The Venoms won the title ‘unbeaten’ last season, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against Abdallah Mubiru’s side who will be looking to make a statement.
The opening weekend fixtures promise to deliver some exciting matches.
The following day will feature a number of high-profile matches, including KCCA vs NEC, SC Villa vs Kitara, Lugazi vs Kigezi Home Boyz, Police vs Mbarara City, Blacks Power vs Ntugasaze and UPDF vs Kataka
And later on, Sunday, match day one will conclude with two matches; BUL vs Express and Maroons vs URA.
Despite the visible excitement, the fans and media at large have been left with frustration especially on match day as two high profile matches have been scheduled at the same time.
“Whoever is behind the marketing and scheduling of Uganda Premier League games either doesn’t want to see this league grow or has some selfish interests. Because tell me, why are SC Villa vs Kitara FC and KCCA FC vs NEC FC being played at the same time?” Innocent Robin Jr wondered.
Brian Tuka, a seasoned journalist with NBS Sport stated; “Clearly, we should be able to watch both matches but with the scheduling, it pains that it is impossible.”
His colleague John Vianey Nsimbe cited an example of the past stating that Villa, Express and KCCA rarely played in the same town on the same match day at least.
“It goes without saying. In this league of ours, back in the 90s, Express, Villa and KCCA rarely played in the same town on the same day. It was a good arrangement then. I think it can be good even now. Prime fixtures ought to be played in different time slots or days especially now that the season is beginning.”
Meanwhile, it is not just match day one that will leave football lovers as it cuts across many match days including match days 7, 11, 12, 13 and 17.
Bernard Bainamani, the premier league Chief Executive Officer however explains that the schedule was mainly drawn based on available facilities and Afcon 2027 in sight.
“With Afcon ahead, we have to conclude the league latest mid-May but preferably end of April to allow the national team adequate time for preparations,” he explained the fixture congestion.
“Secondly, with Kadiba closed for Afcon works and Lugogo without floodlights where NEC, KCCA and SC Villa home games would be played at night, which is not the case now, you have no luxury to enjoy what many fans are advocating for. Let us appreciate the situation we are in,” added Bainamani.
Selected match day with fixtures involving big teams on same day, same time
Match day ONE: Saturday August 29, 2026
- KCCA vs NEC – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm
- SC Villa vs Kitara – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm
Match day SEVEN: Thursday October 22, 2026
- SC Villa vs Mbarara City – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm
- KCCA vs UPDF – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm
Match day ELEVEN: Friday November 20, 2026
- SC Villa vs UPDF – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm
- Police vs KCCA – Kiira Arena Police 4pm
- URA vs Ntugasaze – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 4pm
Match TWELVE: Thursday November 26, 2026
- Maroons vs SC Villa – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm
- KCCA vs BUL – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm
Match day THIRTEEN: Wednesday December 2, 2026
- NEC vs Police – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm
- Ntugasaze vs SC Villa – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm
Thursday December 3, 2026
- KCCA vs Blacks Power – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm
- UPPC vs Express – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 4pm
MATCH DAY SEVENTEEN: Thursday December 24, 2026
- Entebbe UPPC vs SC Villa – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 4pm
- NEC vs Vipers – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm