Finally, the feud between the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) Limited and the Uganda Super League (USL) Limited over the running of the top tier league seems to have come to an end after both sides reached an agreement.
In a statement released by the FA on its official website, the two sides have signed an agreement to work together for the betterment of Club football in Uganda.
The joint statement was signed on 14th March, 2014 by FUFA boss Engineer Moses Magogo and USSL Chairman Kavuma Kabenge.
The two sides have been bickering since 2012 after FUFA withdrew the mandate to run the super division league from USLL.
This led to loss of top tier sponsors which included Supersport and Uganda Breweries under their Bell brand.
In the agreement, both parties have been assured and guaranteed by the Sponsors of the continued provision of funds effective 2014/5 Season with more innovations extending beyond the Super League matches and also highlighted that whereas the day-to-day activities of the League will be run by the league board and secretariat appointed by the 16 clubs, USLL will manage the match-day events of the televised games
The parties have also agreed to sign a charter to respect each other and harmoniously co-exist for the period of the contract and beyond.
In addition, it has also been agreed that as a re-branding strategy, for the 2014/5 Season the top-tier league will be known as the Uganda Premier League (UPL) composed of 16 clubs that will be licensed by FUFA in accordance with the FUFA Club Licensing Regulations.
Though a lot was agreed upon, nowhere in the agreement is Maroons FC case cited since unlike most clubs which featured in both the USL and the FSL, the Prisons side remained in the USL but it appears it will not feature in the UPL something that leaves more questions than answers.
Still, the agreement was signed by between FUFA Ltd and USLL with the former’s legality issue yet to be resolved since the 1964 Sports Act bars any national sports body from becoming limited companies.
Key Notes from FUFA Ltd – USLL Agreement (According to Fufa ltd)
1 – Through the Sponsorship contracts between USLL and the Sponsors, USLL will avail FUFA with the funds to finance the Club football. In return, FUFA will ensure organisation of football matches in accordance with association football rules and fulfilling minimum Television requirements as expected by the Sponsors.
2 – From the revenue received from USLL, FUFA will withhold a minimal development percentage and Referees Fees. FUFA will thereafter forward the balance of the funds to the clubs
3 – After signing this agreement, both parties have been assured and guaranteed by the Sponsors of the continued provision of funds effective 2014/5 Season with more innovations extending beyond the Super League matches
4 – It has also been agreed that as a re-branding strategy, for the 2014/5 Season the top-tier league will be known as the Uganda Premier League composed of 16 clubs that will be licensed by FUFA in accordance with the FUFA Club Licensing Regulations.
5 – Whereas the day-to-day activities of the League will be run by the league board and secretariat appointed by the 16 clubs, USLL will manage the match-day events of the televised games.
6 – Both parties have also agreed to sign a charter to respect each other and harmoniously co-exist for the period of the contract and beyond.
7 – Both parties take this opportunity to thank all those who made this happen and also apologise to those who have been hurt by the period of the misunderstanding’ read the joint statement