Dr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo (C) making his remarks/UPL photoThe Chairman of the FUFA Super League Limited (FSLL), Dr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo , has described the direct government subvention to Uganda Premier League clubs as a historic turning point and a “stamp of pedigree” for Ugandan football.Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the FSLL on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at HB Hotel in Hoima City, Rugyendo said it was the first time in the history of football administration in Uganda that government has extended direct financial support to clubs.“For the very first time in the history of football administration in this country, a government subvention has been extended directly in support of our clubs. This is not a small thing. It is a turning point,” Rugyendo told delegates.The AGM was attended by Chief Guest Dr. Dennis Mugimba, State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, National Council of Sports Chairman Mr. Ambrose Tashobya and General Secretary Dr. Bernard Ogwel, FUFA President Hon. Moses Hassim Magogo, FSLL Board members, club chairmen and delegates, partners StarTimes and hosts Kitara FC.Rugyendo said the funding means more than money.“Government support of this nature means far more than the money itself. It is a stamp of pedigree on our league. It tells the country, and indeed the region, that the Uganda Premier League is now recognised at the highest level as a serious, credible and strategically important institution,” he said.“This recognition matters enormously when we go out to talk to the private sector. Sponsors and investors take their cue from the confidence that Government places in an institution; when the State stands behind a league, private capital follows with far greater ease.”He said the intervention signals growing public confidence in the league’s administration following reforms in governance, club licensing, financial discipline and professional administration, which should translate into better sponsorship deals and stronger broadcast value.Don’t Abuse ItRugyendo however issued a stern appeal to clubs to guard the trust jealously.“I appeal to every club, every Chairman and every Chief Executive in this room: do not abuse the Government subvention. Use these resources for the purpose for which they were intended – strengthening club administration, developing players, improving facilities and enhancing welfare,” he warned.“I have it on good authority that if our clubs demonstrate discipline, transparency and good behaviour in how this subvention is applied, this support will more than double in the years ahead. Let that possibility be the standard against which every shilling is spent. We hold in our hands not just today’s support, but the case for tomorrow’s increase.”Standing Ovation for Maama JanetRugyendo asked the meeting to rise for a standing ovation for the Government, Ministry of Education and Sports, National Council of Sports and all who made the intervention possible.In a special way, he thanked First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, saying she personally took interest in the plight of the league and ordered the intervention. “Without her direct attention to our cause, we would not be standing here today celebrating this milestone,” he said.He also thanked Dr. Dennis Mugimba for working tirelessly behind the scenes, State Minister Peter Ogwang for voicing concerns in Cabinet, and NCS leadership of Tashobya and Ogwel for guiding the process.Appeal for 19th ClubRugyendo reiterated an appeal to government to consider the 19th club – the UPL Secretariat and UPL SACCO.“Since this money is going directly to the 18 clubs, we reiterate our appeal to government to think about the 19th club which is the UPL Secretariat and UPL SACCO. FUFA had promised to beef up the secretariat with more logistics but they are also very constrained. We have put this appeal in writing and it is before the ministry officials,” he said.Season in Review Rugyendo highlighted achievements in governance, sporting and marketing.On governance and administration, he cited strengthened stakeholder engagements, improved secretariat staffing and welfare, improved relationship with government culminating in the subvention, strengthened club governance, capacity building across administration (FAMACO), coaches and referees, improved compliance, regular governance meetings, progress on club licensing, and strengthening of legal and HR sections with the deployment of in-house lawyer Ms. Mercy Keinembabazi.He thanked Kitara FC for hosting the AGM and encouraged other clubs to host future meetings.On the sporting side, he noted continued investment in infrastructure, improving quality of football, improved refereeing standards and match organization, and continued vigilance against match-fixing.He congratulated Vipers SC for winning the league title and Kitara FC for winning the Uganda Cup and progressing in the CAF Confederation Cup.On marketing, Rugyendo said the league registered wins with the government subvention and a banking partner, and has beefed up the department with seasoned sports marketer Mr. Saddam Bulaga, who has already secured impressive prospects with a potential coffee partner, a ministry, a beverage company and a beer company.Rugyendo said detailed achievements, challenges, wins and losses are contained in the Chairman’s Activity Report.“Let us go from this Annual General Meeting more united, more disciplined and more determined to build on this historic milestone,” he concluded.The post Don’t Abuse Govt Money – UPL Boss Warns Clubs as Funding Could Double appeared first on Business Focus.