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The road to the 2026/27 FUFA Big League season has taken another important step after 13 clubs were listed as licensed together with their approved home venues for the upcoming campaign.
The licensing list highlights clubs from different parts of Uganda, underlining the geographical spread of the country's second-tier football competition. The FUFA Big League sits directly below the Uganda Premier League in Uganda's football pyramid.
According to the published licensing graphic, the 13 clubs and their designated stadiums or home grounds are:
The list contains several clubs preparing to make their mark at the national second-tier level, including Amus, Buwambo United, Pakwach Young Stars and SC Volcanoes.
Four clubs secured promotion to the 2026/27 Big League through the promotion play-offs: Buwambo United, Amus, Mutolere and Pakwach Young Stars. FUFA confirmed their promotion after they successfully negotiated their respective two-legged ties.
Amus advanced past MYDA on a 2-1 aggregate score, while Buwambo United defeated Black Star 5-3 on aggregate. Pakwach Young Stars overturned a first-leg deficit to eliminate Pajule Lions 2-1 on aggregate, while Mutolere progressed past Booma 1-0 on aggregate.
For the licensed clubs, the ultimate target will be securing promotion to the Uganda Premier League. The Big League represents the final major hurdle for clubs seeking to establish themselves among Uganda's top-flight teams.
The 2025/26 campaign saw Blacks Power FC crowned FUFA Big League champions, while the promotion play-offs provided the pathway for the four clubs that joined the division for the 2026/27 campaign.
The new season is scheduled to kick off on 20 September 2026, with the fixture release having been scheduled for August 24.
The licensing list also demonstrates the continued growth of football outside Kampala and the traditional football centres.
Clubs from Bukedea, Mwererwe, Yumbe, Iganga, Ntungamo, Kiwenda, Arua, Paidha, Nebbi, Kasese, Kisoro and Nwoya feature on the list, giving supporters across different regions a direct connection to the national league system.
For teams such as Onduparaka and Paidha Black Angels, their presence also brings renewed attention to West Nile football, while Rwenzori Lions and SC Volcanoes represent the growing ambitions of clubs from western Uganda.
The licensing of the venues is equally significant. Playing at an approved home ground provides clubs with the opportunity to build strong home support and establish a distinct identity throughout the campaign.
From Green Light Stadium in Arua to Luo Ground in Nebbi, Elephants Park Stadium in Nwoya and St. Paul Mutolere SS Play Ground in Kisoro, the 2026/27 season promises to take Big League football to a wide range of football communities.
With the new campaign approaching, attention now turns to the final preparations, squad building, fixtures and the race for promotion.
The 2026/27 FUFA Big League is shaping up to be another competitive season, with 13 clubs already highlighted as licensed alongside their approved home venues. The battle for promotion to Uganda's top flight is set to begin on September 20.
