The StarTimes Uganda Premier League will feature 18 clubs next season as the top flight expands for the 2026/27 campaign.
The bigger league means more fixtures and a longer season, with the campaign set to kick off in late August. Adding two more teams gives extra clubs a taste of top flight football, though it also raises the demands on squads that must now cover a heavier schedule across the year.
The transfer window opened on 1 July and runs until 19 September, giving clubs a long runway to sign and register both local and foreign players along with technical staff. That extended window matters this year, with several clubs preparing for continental and regional commitments on top of the league.
Vipers head into the season as the club to beat after their recent title, and they have been busy in the market. Traditional names such as KCCA remain in the mix, and the expanded format could open the door for ambitious sides to make an early statement against the established order.
For supporters, the expansion promises more football and fresh rivalries. The challenge for the league is keeping standards high across a wider field, so that added quantity does not come at the cost of competitive matches week to week.
Where to bet: Ugandan fans can follow the new season with licensed bookmakers Betway and SportyBet, which price league and outright markets in Ugandan shillings, UGX. Odds move as squads settle, so check before kickoff. 18+. Gamble responsibly.
With the window still open at kickoff, early results may shift once late signings arrive. The opening weeks will offer the first clues about who is ready for the longer road ahead.
