The 2026/27 Uganda Premier League starts on August 28 as champions Vipers host Entebbe UPPC. View the opening fixtures and full first-round schedule.
The StarTimes Uganda Premier League will return on Friday, 28 August 2026, beginning an expanded season involving 18 clubs and 153 matches during the first round.
The official Uganda Premier League fixture release shows that the first round will run through Thursday, 24 December, across 17 matchdays. Some dates remain subject to confirmation because of television selections and CAF interclub commitments.
Vipers Begin Title Defence at Kitende
Champions Vipers will launch the season against newly promoted Entebbe UPPC at St Mary’s Stadium. The Friday-night fixture starts at 8:00 p.m., giving the Venoms an immediate home test.
Eight matches complete Matchday One across Saturday and Sunday. KCCA host NEC at MTN Omondi Stadium, days after their 2026 FUFA Super 8 final. SC Villa welcome Kitara to Wankulukuku, while BUL face Express in Njeru.
Uganda Premier League Matchday One Fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Time |
| Friday, 28 August | Vipers vs Entebbe UPPC | St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende | 8:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 29 August | Blacks Power vs Ntugasaze | Hoima City Stadium | 4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 29 August | KCCA vs NEC | MTN Omondi Stadium | 4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 29 August | Lugazi vs Kigezi Homeboyz | Lugazi FC Stadium | 4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 29 August | Police vs Mbarara City | Kira Police Arena | 4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 29 August | SC Villa vs Kitara | Muteesa II Stadium | 4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 29 August | UPDF vs Kataka | Hamz Stadium | 7:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, 30 August | BUL vs Express | FUFA Technical Centre | 4:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, 30 August | Maroons vs URA | Muteesa II Stadium | 4:00 p.m. |
KCCA FC players pose for a team photo ahead of their competitive campaign. Photo Credit: KCCA
Expanded League Features 18 Clubs
The expanded field contains Vipers, KCCA, NEC, SC Villa, Kitara, BUL, Express, URA, Maroons, Police, UPDF, Lugazi, Entebbe UPPC, Blacks Power, Ntugasaze, Kigezi Homeboyz, Kataka and Mbarara City.
An earlier programme reportedly contained 12 teams because six clubs had not met licensing requirements, particularly for stadiums. The Kawowo Sports report identifies them as KCCA, NEC, Entebbe UPPC, Blacks Power, Kataka and Kigezi Homeboyz.
The FUFA Licensing Committee approved MTN Omondi Stadium with limitations for KCCA and NEC. Kataka will host matches at BCS Sports Complex in Bukedea, Blacks Power at Hoima City Stadium, and Kigezi Homeboyz at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge.
Major Fixtures to Watch
Notable matches include Vipers against BUL on 18 November, Express versus Vipers on 22 November, and KCCA against BUL four days later. SC Villa host KCCA on 20 December before KCCA meet Kitara on 23 December.
Dates for Vipers’ meetings with Kigezi Homeboyz, Police, KCCA, SC Villa and Kitara remain unconfirmed. Several Kitara matches are also TBC because both clubs’ schedules depend partly on CAF progress.
The programme accommodates international windows and CAF dates, creating a demanding calendar for clubs balancing domestic and continental football.
Kitara FC players celebrate after scoring a goal.
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What to Take Home
The release gives clubs and supporters a clear framework for the opening half of the 2026/27 season. Vipers begin as defending champions, but the expanded 18-team field, promoted clubs and numerous major fixtures should create fresh challenges.
For promoted sides, the programme provides a test of how quickly they can adjust to top-flight football.
Supporters should nevertheless confirm dates before travelling because television requirements and CAF participation may cause adjustments. With league action spread across Kampala, Kitende, Njeru, Hoima, Bukedea, Najjembe and Kamwenge, the first round also reflects the competition’s widening national footprint.
The complete first-round schedule is available here:
