Express FC among five clubs denied FUFA licences for 2026/27 season
The decision was communicated by the FUFA First Instance Body (FIB) Club Licensing Committee following its assessment of Uganda Premier League clubs and their proposed match venues.
PHOTO: Ismail Mulangwa
Uganda football giants Express FC are among the clubs that have failed to secure a FUFA Club Licence for the 2026/27 season after falling short of several mandatory licensing requirements.
The decision was communicated by the FUFA First Instance Body (FIB) Club Licensing Committee following its assessment of Uganda Premier League clubs and their proposed match venues.
The committee met on July 21 and 22 to evaluate clubs against the sporting, infrastructure, personnel, administrative, legal, and financial standards required to participate in FUFA competitions.
Express, one of Uganda's most successful and historic clubs, was denied a licence after the committee identified seven areas of non-compliance. According to FUFA, the Red Eagles do not have a women's team, lack a G2 Academy, and their designated youth coach does not possess the required specialised youth coaching certificate.
The committee also found that Express failed to provide satisfactory proof that players and members of the technical staff had received their remuneration, falling short of the financial criteria. In addition, the club does not operate an official club domain email address, has no verified social media accounts, and does not have a designated training ground.
Express are not alone in missing out. Kataka FC, Blacks Power FC, Lugazi FC, and UPDF FC were also denied licences and have each received individual communication outlining the reasons behind the decisions.
The affected clubs have until Monday, July 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm to appeal through the FUFA Licensing Appeals Committee.
Meanwhile, KCCA FC, Vipers SC, NEC FC, SC Villa, URA FC, Police FC, Kigezi HomeBoyz FC, and Ntugasaze FC were granted Category One Club Licences after satisfying all mandatory, obligatory, and best-practice requirements.
Category Two licences were awarded to Kitara FC, Entebbe UPPC FC, Maroons FC, BUL FC, and Mbarara City FC, subject to fulfilling conditions communicated by FUFA before August 15, 2026.