Bainamani addressing the media at UPL Secretariat places of work in Mengo

David GOMBE

Uganda Premier League Secretariat CEO Bernard Bainamani Bampaire has confirmed that 4 golf equipment will probably be relegated on the finish of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season because the league strikes to return to a 16-team format.

Addressing journalists forward of the brand new marketing campaign, Bainamani mentioned the expanded 18-team league this season is a transitional measure.

“We will relegate 4 golf equipment this season, the final 4, then the next season we will obtain two golf equipment from the FUFA Large League and it will take us again to a 16-team league,” Bainamani mentioned.

The 2026/27 season would be the largest in UPL historical past. Bainamani revealed that fixture launch was delayed because of licensing challenges, however all 18 golf equipment have now been cleared.

“We may have launched the fixtures a month earlier than kickoff however because of the challenges everyone knows, that couldn’t occur. We thank all of the 18 golf equipment for having obtained the license to take part within the 2026/27 UPL season. It has not been straightforward however not less than they’ve lastly made it,” he mentioned.

“Subsequent season we will have 306 video games in comparison with 240 video games for final season and different seasons. Every membership will play 34 video games in comparison with 30 for the earlier campaigns.”

The rise from 240 to 306 matches is predicted to spice up business worth and taking part in time for gamers, with the season kicking off on August 28 with reigning champions Vipers taking up Entebbe UPPC at St.Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

On the introduction of late kick-offs, Bainamani mentioned the league has agreed on a structured timing with broadcasters StarTimes.

“We’ve agreed with the broadcasters that solely video games for TV will probably be performed at 8PM however the remainder of the evening video games are for 7PM,” he clarified.

He added that KCCA FC, which had requested to host evening video games at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, wants extra time to improve its floodlights.

“After we contacted KCCA, they advised us they are going to want like a month to place up higher lights for evening matches. They requested to have their video games performed at 4PM,” Bainamani revealed.

The UPL CEO mentioned inspections of floodlights for golf equipment meaning to host evening video games are ongoing, with solely absolutely licensed venues allowed to stage matches after 7PM.