OPINION: The ten key fixtures to anticipate, match venues in the upcoming UPL season

As we approach the commencement of the new StarTimes Uganda Premier League season on September 14th, football enthusiasts are eager to witness the thrilling clashes that lie ahead.

The league secretariat recently unveiled the complete season fixtures, shedding light on the exciting matchups that await.

Number of Participating Teams

Unlike the previous season, which featured only 15 clubs due to Kyetume FC's challenges in meeting the licensing requirements on time, the 2023/24 season is set to witness the participation of 16 clubs.

Busoga United and Arua Hills secured their spots after successfully fulfilling the licensing procedure within the stipulated timeframe, as confirmed by the FUFA competitions committee.

Match Venues

The relegation of Blacks Power FC and Ondupraka FC, both of whom had their home venues at the Akiibua Stadium and the Greenlight Stadium, respectively, has led to a reduction in the number of home venues from 13 last season to 10.

Arua Hills have been relocated from the Barifa Stadium in Arua to Kavumba.

Only Kitara has a designated home ground among the newly promoted sides—Kitara FC, NEC FC, and Mbarara City FC.

NEC FC and Mbarara City FC will host their matches at the MTN Omondi Stadium and Bombo Military Grounds, respectively.

Matchday 1: KCCA FC – Express FC (Venue to be confirmed)

Matchday 6: Express FC – SC Villa (November 1st)

Matchday 7: KCCA FC – Vipers SC (Friday, November 10th)

Matchday 12: SC Villa – KCCA FC (Friday, December 29th)

Matchday 13: Express FC – Vipers SC (Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024)

Matchday 14: KCCA FC – URA FC (Friday, January 5th, 2024)

Matchday 17: Express FC – KCCA FC (Saturday, February 17th, 2024)

Matchday 18: SC Villa – Vipers (Saturday, February 24th, 2024)

Matchday 20: SC Villa vs Express FC (Friday, March 29th, 2024) 

Matchday 21: Vipers vs KCCA FC (Saturday, March 30th, 2024)

Vipers (St Mary's Kitende)

Wakiso Giants (Wakissha Resource Centre)

Express FC and S.C Villa (Wankulukuku)

Soltilo Bright Stars and Arua Hills (Kavumba Recreation Grounds)

UPDF FC and Mbarara City FC (Bombo Military Grounds)

Kitara FC (Masindi Stadium)

Gaddafi FC (Gaddafi Arena)

BUL FC and Busoga United (Njeru Technical Centre)

KCCA FC and NEC FC (MTN Omondi Stadium)

Maroons FC (Luzira Stadium)

URA FC (Mehta Stadium Lugazi)