The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has officially released new regulations governing football academies in Uganda. In a landmark decision communicated through Circular No. 1199, FUFA has de-registered all existing academies and instituted a new registration framework that aligns with the recently enacted National Sports Act, 2023.
The reform aims to standardize the operations of football academies and ensure alignment with national legislation. Specifically, Part VII, Section 50(2) of the National Sports Act requires that any person intending to operate a sports academy must obtain a license from the National Council of Sports (NCS), subject to approval by the respective national sports federation — in this case, FUFA.
Key Highlights of the New Regulations:
- Mandatory Licensing: All football academies must now be licensed by the NCS, based on FUFA’s recommendation. This process ensures that academies meet both national and federation-level standards.
- De-registration of Existing Academies: Effective immediately, all previously registered academies are no longer recognized. These academies must now reapply under the new guidelines.
- Biannual Registration Windows: FUFA has introduced two registration periods every year. Window 1 runs from 1st–31st January and Window 2 from 1st-31st July. The next available application window is set for July 2025.
- Licensing Tiers: New licenses will be issued under a tiered classification system (A to D), valid for two years. The classification depends on criteria such as infrastructure, governance, administration, sporting performance, and financial stability.
- Application Requirements: Interested academies must submit a completed application form, proof of payment for the application fee (as per Statutory Instrument No. 24 of 2025), a valid membership certificate from the Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA) and a detailed list of players and coaches.
- Compliance Clause: As stipulated in Regulation 29(2) of the National Sports Regulations 2025, FUFA will not issue recommendations for licensing unless the academy fully complies with its internal regulations.
Application guidelines and relevant documentation will be released at least 30 days before the start of each registration window.
Football stakeholders and academy operators are urged to thoroughly review the FUFA Football Academies Regulations 2025 and prepare accordingly.
For further inquiries, contact:
development@fufa.co.ug
Mr. Mutyaba Bashir, FUFA Elite Football Development Manager
