Uganda Premier League fans champion peaceful football culture

Uganda Premier League fans are setting aside club rivalries to promote unity, friendship, and peaceful support through the second edition of the UPL Fans’ Meet Up Gala, set for May 31 at Buloba Sports Arena, near Forest Park Resort.

What began as a small gathering of football supporters has grown into one of Uganda’s biggest fan-driven football events, bringing together fans from different clubs to form mixed teams and celebrate the game beyond the stadium.

The event is organised by the Uganda Premier League Fans’ Meet Up, a supporters’ movement aimed at strengthening relationships among football fans while promoting local football culture.

Betty Nakanwagi, the organization’s general secretary, said the idea was born from the need to unite supporters beyond traditional football rivalries.

“The idea behind the UPL Fans’ Meet Up Gala was inspired by the need to unite Uganda Premier League fans beyond club rivalries and create a platform for interaction, sportsmanship, and entertainment,” Nakanwagi said. “Since the first edition, the event has grown in popularity, organization, and fan participation.”

Unlike traditional competitions where fans support opposing clubs, the gala mixes supporters from rival teams into one side, fostering togetherness.

Nakanwagi explained that the event helps break barriers and promote peaceful football environments. “The gala plays a very important role in promoting unity because it brings together fans from different clubs to play under one team, interact, compete, and celebrate football peacefully as one family. Events like this help rival fans interact positively outside stadium pressure, which improves relationships and promotes respect, unity, and peaceful football environments.”

Six teams have already confirmed participation this year: Team Princess/Noldine, Team Juma/Kemi, Team Mutesi/Lulu, Team Pesper/Mark, Team Keren/Kyengera, and Team Kasozi. Nakanwagi expects tougher competition, saying, “Every participating team is coming back more prepared and determined.”

Beyond football, organisers have lined up netball, chess, ludo, drafts, music performances, storytelling, and discussions on Uganda’s football history.

The gala comes as football fans grow more active in shaping Uganda Premier League discussions. Last year, several fan groups, including the UPL Fans Forum, UPL Fans Meet Up, and Platinum Fans Football Association, united to oppose FUFA’s proposed new league format for the 2025/26 season, arguing that fans had not been consulted despite being key stakeholders. Their demands included suspending the proposed format, including fans in decision-making, and ensuring greater transparency from league administrators. The protest highlighted the growing influence of organized supporters in Ugandan football.

Nakanwagi said fan-driven events are vital for the local game because they increase passion and participation. “Fan-driven events are very important because they increase passion for the league, improve fan participation, and create a stronger football culture that benefits clubs’ revenues.”

Despite challenges in mobilization, logistics, and securing resources, organizers remain optimistic. “There are plans to expand the gala in the future by involving more teams, bigger venues, moving to different regions, and adding activities that can attract even more football fans across Uganda,” Nakanwagi revealed.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Premier League title race remains tight. Vipers SC lead with 60 points, five ahead of second-placed KCCA FC (55). Kitara FC sit third with 54 points, while defending champions SC Villa are fourth on 52 points. NEC FC round out the top five with 50 points. At the bottom, Calvary FC and Buhimba United Saints FC remain in relegation danger.