StarTimes, the main sponsor of the Uganda Premier League, has expressed deep concern over Vipers Sports Club’s refusal to participate in the league’s double header, saying the move undermines both the competition and its broadcast value.
Speaking on NBS Sport, StarTimes Vice President Aldrine Nsubuga said the decision by Vipers “changes the dynamics, cuts down the value of the league both on the field of play and also the broadcast value.”
He warned that such actions could hurt the integrity and commercial worth of the competition that has steadily grown in popularity and television appeal over the years.
Nsubuga emphasized that the league should not operate with fewer than sixteen teams, noting that Vipers’ withdrawal creates a “completely new scenario” that comes with contractual implications.
He called for cooperation among all stakeholders, saying the stability of Ugandan football depends on unity between clubs, FUFA, the UPL, sponsors, and fans.
“It’s time for everyone not to be selfish,” he urged. “The fan invests time, emotions, life, and even money in merchandise. If the fan chooses to boycott, the club will be on their knees.”
He justified the frustration among supporters, explaining that their disappointment is valid, especially after the recent surge of enthusiasm in Ugandan football witnessed during the CHAN tournament.
He cautioned that the current standoff threatens to undo the progress made in growing fan engagement and television audiences.
Clarifying StarTimes’ role, Nsubuga stressed that the company does not own, manage, or regulate the league. “We are just partners providing support,” he said, reaffirming that StarTimes’ interest is to see Ugandan football thrive both on and off the pitch.
However, he revealed that the broadcaster was not informed about the recent league reforms beforehand, learning about them “like everybody else.”
According to him, FUFA, FSSL, and the UPL violated Article 2.11 of their agreement with StarTimes, which stipulates that any league format or fixture changes must be communicated to the broadcaster within thirty days for approval. “Maybe if we had been informed earlier, we could have advised,” he noted.
Despite the contractual concern, Nsubuga maintained that the fans remain StarTimes’ top priority, describing them as “our customers.”
He emphasized that the success of the league depends on keeping fans engaged and appreciated, adding that once the fans lose faith, the entire ecosystem from clubs to sponsors suffers.
In conclusion, Nsubuga’s message was clear and cautionary: football cannot thrive in division.
He appealed to all stakeholders to act with responsibility, transparency, and respect for the agreements that bind them.
The current impasse, he warned, is not just a dispute over fixtures but a defining test of Ugandan football’s professionalism, unity, and future.
