The Uganda Premier League (UPL) has rung in a fresh twist for the 2025/26 season as night games will now light up at 8:00PM instead of the traditional 7:00PM.
According to UPL CEO Bernard Bainamani, the shake-up is crafted to supercharge television coverage, offer fans at home a consistent viewing slot, and smoothen stadium operations.
But as the news broke, it immediately set the fanbase buzzing. Some hailed the later start as a masterstroke, pointing out how it eases the mad dash through Kampala’s notorious evening traffic.
Others, however, waved red flags over late-night security and travel, worried about spectators finding their way home safely after the final whistle.
And that’s not all, the league is also ushering in the much-talked-about double-header spectacle.
Depending on club green lights, venue readiness, and broadcaster appetite, fans could enjoy back-to-back thrillers under the floodlights.
The first of its kind is locked in for Saturday, October 4 at the newly refurbished Namboole Stadium, where Vipers SC clash with Kitara FC, before KCCA FC square off against eternal rivals SC Villa.
Fixtures for Vipers SC and NEC FC remain fluid as both giants continue their continental journeys in CAF competitions, pushing their opening-weekend battles onto a later calendar date.
In what could be the biggest win for armchair fans, Bainamani confirmed that 167 out of 268 games will be televised this season, a sharp rise from last year’s 134.
This marks a new chapter in the UPL’s mission to deepen fan engagement, amplify visibility, and bring the drama of Ugandan football straight into living rooms.
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