Arsenal Africa Fans Festival Returns to Tanzania in 2024 (part 1)

Did you know that in 2024, the United Republic of Tanzania will celebrate 60 years since the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar? It was the same year, in 1964, that my mum, now a retired senior citizen was born somewhere in Mwanza, the endeared ‘Rock City’ of Tanzania. Read along, because this is where my love story about Tanzania begins!

Dar Es Salaam City | Photo courtesy

The Arsenal Africa Fans Festival (AAFF) returns to Tanzania for a memorable experience this Easter from March 29th to April 1st. With over 400 fans confirmed the atmosphere is set to be electric. And with maternal roots in Tanzania, I was delighted to attend the 1^st edition of the AAFF in Dar Es Salaam, back in 2017. 

This annual extravaganza, organized by passionate fans across the continent, promises to be an exhilarating blend of sports tourism, cultural exchange, community charity activities, and, of course, a thrilling match screening! In the previous editions, the festival took place in Rwanda (2018), Kenya (2019), and Uganda (2023). It is now back to Tanzania in 2024 this time bigger and better. And in case you didn’t know, Tanzania is a country of many firsts including, giving birth to the first female president in East Africa! What a time to be alive.

The Charity Before Charity

In less than a fortnight, the 5^th edition of the AAF in Dar Es Salaam will witness about seven nations coming together. Arsenal Supporters Club Tanzania (ASCT) organizing committee confirms that Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia fans shall be in attendance.  

This edition’s charity shall include a partnership with the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) to help four kids born with heart defects through financial support. The required amount is USD 6,200, and fundraising is ongoing among participating countries. 

In an official circular dated February 29, 2024, shared by the organizing committee, the deadline for the contribution has been set for March 25, 2024. Mr. Peter Mboye is the recipient of the contribution as the bonafide representative of the Arsenal Tanzania Supporters Club on matters of charity.

The Clash of Titans – Arsenal Vs Manchester City

English Premier League standing

Since its inception, the AAFF has been a beacon of unity, bringing together fans from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their shared love for the beautiful game. The 4^th edition in Kampala, Uganda had fans watch the Arsenal vs Liverpool game at Coco Beach in Entebbe. As the English Premier League heats up, Arsenal finds itself in a very familiar territory, on top of the table, and as Asake melodiously sings, it is indeed very lonely at the top. 

From winning Manager of the Month in February to having the highest goals scored, we as Arsenal are ready to test City's mettle in a final before the finals meltdown. The stage is set, and the host nation has chosen the iconic Wavuvi Kempu Lounge as the battleground for this epic showdown. Brace yourselves for a match that will keep pulses racing and hearts pounding as two footballing giants go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy.

The Land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and the Serengeti

Mt. Kilimanjaro | Photo courtesy

Ever heard the joke that; “Mt. Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania but Kenya gets the best views?” It’s true, even ChatGPT agrees with this banter. Now, imagine standing in awe at the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, its summit seemingly touching the sky. Then, picture yourself strolling along the pristine white sands of Zanzibar's idyllic beaches, the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lapping at your feet. And don't forget the Serengeti, where the endless plains come alive with the sights and sounds of the Great Migration, one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles. Tanzania's rich tapestry of landscapes, from lush rainforests to vast savannas, offers a feast for the senses and a journey of discovery like no other. So, as you embark on your adventure to Tanzania, prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant streets of Dar es Salaam to the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria, where every moment is a new and unforgettable experience #unforgettableTanzania.

Things You Should Know About Tanzania

• 1.  The official language is Swahili.
  2. Known as the “Cradle of Mankind”.
  3. Home to over 120 ethnic groups, each with a unique language, traditions, and customs.
  4. Tanzania shares her borders with 8 countries i.e. Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, DRC.
  5. Tanzania provided sanctuary to exiled leaders like Jomo Kenyatta and Milton Obote during times of political upheaval in Kenya and Uganda, respectively.
  6. Tanzania mediated peace talks during the Rwandan genocide and negotiations to end the South Sudanese civil war.
  7. Tanzania provided support to Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe during the struggle for independence.

Home of Kariakoo Derby

Simba fans in a past match | photo courtesy 

"Daima Mbele Nyuma Mwiko" and "Wekundu wa Msimbazi" - these iconic chants would mostly announce the arrival of the Kariakoo Derby, igniting the fervor of Dar es Salaam's football passion. And for Arsenal fans attending the upcoming festival, luck is on your side! 

This March 29th and 30th, Dar Es Salaam proudly hosts two monumental clashes: Simba Sports Club faces off against Al Ahly of Egypt in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, while Young Africans Football Club (Yanga) prepares to host Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa. This is a moment where history will be made, and legends will be born, as Dar es Salaam's football giants rise to their destinies on both local and international stages. Don your team's jersey and prepare for an unforgettable showdown at The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where the spirit of Dar es Salaam shines brighter than ever before.

The People of Tanzania

There is no doubt that it was coup de foudre with Tanzania and that’s why I visited the country six times before deciding to settle here the seventh time. Maybe it is the lingering charms of my mother, but here is the thing, for every visit there was always a culture shock.

Things you didn't know about Tanzanians (disclaimer! very personal biased observations)

1. Tanzanians tend to overshare information.
2. Tanzanians drink a lot of soda.
3. Soup is a very popular substitute for tea as a breakfast meal.
4. Tanzanians are very respectful.
5. Tanzanians overcrowd their matatus/dalali and they are okay with that.
6. Tanzanians are over-generous with good food portions, more than Ugandans.
7. Tanzanian waitresses don't mind being touched inappropriately by male customers.
8. Tanzanians don't want dual citizenship and are afraid of foreigners taking up a bigger share of what belongs to them.
9. In Dar Es Salaam, most women are light-skinned. Dark complexion women/ladies are 'unpopular'.
10. Tanzanians 'over greet' each other.
11. Tanzanian men love better.
12. Tanzanians who have a good grasp of the English language almost certainly speak better with well-pronounced words.

But hey, I could be wrong. It's for me to know and for you to find out! So, fellow Arsenal fans, mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable journey to Tanzania. Let's come together to celebrate our passion for football, give back to the community, promote sports tourism, forge lasting friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

See you at the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival! #turudidar2024 #visittanzania #tanzaniaunforgettable #karibudar

Yours in football, Your girl, 

Lisa Biwott.

Follow on Twitter:

Arsenal Supporters Club Tanzania  

Official hashtag for the event:

#turudidar2024
#karibudar2024
#tanzaniaunforgettable
#visittanzania

With utmost regards and sincere appreciation to:

Arsenal Supporters Club Tanzania (ASCT) 

ASCT Organizing Committee

Mr. Peter Mboye

Mr. Michael Muniko

Mr. Meshack 

Mr. Abraham

Ms. Jacky

Mr. Kulwa Bandala

The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended all the first four editions of the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival in Dar es Salaam, Kigali, Mombasa and Kampala.

Arsenal Africa Fans Festival 2023 - 10 Nations Under The City That Never Sleeps

Do you know what Kieran Tierney's squad number is? Yes, that’s right, his jersey number is three. Yet, three Easters have passed since the last Arsenal Africa Fans Festivals took place. The fourth edition of the annual fans’ festival, #TugendeKampala2020 had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is the breaking love letter on the Postponement of the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival 2020 that was sent to the fans.

Excitedly, the long wait is over as the countdown gives less than a Fortnite shy of a promising most revered, formidable event since the annual festival’s inception back in 2017. The Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club is the bonafide host of the 4^th edition of the legendary Arsenal Africa Fans Festival in the host city Kampala, Uganda.

Kampala's reputation as the "City That Never Sleeps" promises an unforgettable experience for the fans and a testament to the city's popularity as the entertainment capital of East Africa.

“Contingents from 10 participating nations including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Nigeria and Uganda, have confirmed their attendance,” stated Ms. Connetie Ninaz Ayesiga, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival 2023 edition. The dates for this year's fans festivals come between April 7 and April 10, making them the earliest in history.  

The History – Arsenal, Fanatism, Festival

 Bukayo Saka, Winner, Men's Young Player of the Year, London Football Awards

There is never better time to be an Arsenal fan like now. With a huge social media following of about 85M, the club has received many well-deserved accolades recently, including sitting pretty on top of the league with an impressive eight-point lead, to having the second-youngest team in the Premier League history. Arsenal have also won numerous awards, such as four times manager of the month for the coach Mikel Arteta and several player of the month awards spread across the team.

Arsenal is renowned for their "Invincibles" team, who won the Premier League unbeaten in 2003/2004, and featured the legendary footballer Thierry Henry. It is noteworthy that Arsenal Football Club will provide official photographers for the upcoming fans festival event and an "Invincibles" team member will be present, which is an additional incentive to attend.

During the media launch of Arsenal Africa fourth edition

As tradition dictates, the festival’s main goal is giving back to the community through CSR activities, cultural exchange and sport tourism hence the hash tag #TugendeKampala loosely translated to Visit Kampala. “All traveling fans are welcomed to take part in the charity event to cause change in the communities. 

The festival is for all of Arsenal fans and your registration and participation is important for us,” Ms. Ayesiga who also doubles up as the Vice Chairperson of the Official Arsenal Supporters Club in Uganda stated. 

For better planning, Arsenal fans attending the event are urged to continue filling in the registration form at the provided link https://forms.gle/TMsuAgFfCeGfVtuj8.

Introduction Party – Friday, 7^th April

Seeing is believing, so they say. Tell you what, as of March 24, the total attendees from the participating countries were at 581! Can you believe it? Me neither. This is going down to be the most attended festival to ever been graced since 2017. But worry not, Arsenal Supporters Club Uganda has everything in place. Nob View Hotel, Ntinda is the designated host hotel for the event. The host country shall provide a meal everyday to all participating fans, as well as facilitate transportation for the contingent.  

The VILLA club Bukoto

Charity – Saturday 8^th April 2023

Once a Gooner always a giver" is a popular phrase among Arsenal fans worldwide, which emphasizes their commitment to charitable causes. In the upcoming fourth edition of their charity event, fans will engage in a two-part charitable activity. 

Firstly, fans will participate in a community cleanup exercise called "Bulungi Bwasi" (also known as "Usafi Day"), which will benefit the Ggaba landing site at Lake Victoria and the Ggaba women's market. The second part will involve a free medical camp for checkups and blood donation.  

It shall be noted that all the contributions collected will be used to empower a woman to start her own business. Fans are encouraged to send in their contributions through their respective countries' representatives. In the second half of the day, there will be an Africa fans gala where teams from different countries will compete, and the winner will be awarded a prestigious trophy. All competing teams are required to wear sports regalia such as jerseys and shoes. 

Visit Uganda – Sunday, 9^th April 2023

Snip of the English Premier League Standing

                                                    

For first time revelers to Uganda, they are not left behind as Sunday has been set aside for sight-seeing in both Kampala and Entebbe. Do you know some of the notable celebrities in Uganda who are passionate Arsenal supporters? 

Well, there are big-name supporters like Bebe Cool, Mr. Mosh Ssendi, ex AIGP Asani Kasingye, Jacob Katumba AKA Thirsty Bar Man among many others!  

Musician Bebe Cool and his family

With the Arsenal versus Liverpool football match scheduled for this day, fans shall be gathered at 1930hrs GMT+3 for a match screening of what's anticipated to be one of the entertaining fixtures towards the league cup contention.

The venue of the match has been reserved for Aero Beach, Entebbe. The dress code shall be the away jersey as Arsenal will be playing at Anfield Stadium.

 

About Kampala: The Host City

Uganda National Mosque, largest mosque in East Africa

Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda, a country located in East Africa. It has a population of around 1.6 million people, and it serves as the commercial, administrative, and cultural hub of Uganda. 

It is situated on several hills and ridges, and it is known for its vibrant atmosphere, unique blend of culture, colorful markets, and friendly people. The city has a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with some historical landmarks still standing alongside modern skyscrapers.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Kampala is the Kasubi Tombs, which is the burial site of the kings of Buganda, one of the largest ethnic groups in Uganda. The tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Uganda. Kampala is also home to many markets, including Nakasero Market, Owino Market, and St. Balikuddembe Market, where locals and tourists alike can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts and souvenirs. 

The city is known for its nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants offering a variety of entertainment options. One popular spot is the Ndere Cultural Center, which features traditional Ugandan music and dance performances. Kampala is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, one of the largest lakes in the world. The lake offers many recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. Travelling fans can whet their appetite with luscious traditional Ugandan cuisine, such as matoke (steamed green bananas), groundnut stew, Luwombo and rolex.

About Entebbe

A beautiful white-sand beach, Entebbe

            

Entebbe is a city located in Uganda, East Africa. It is situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa and approximately 35kilometers southwest of the capita, Kampala. The city has a population of approximately 90,000 people.

Entebbe is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the lake and the lush tropical vegetation that covers much of the area. It is also home to the Entebbe International Airport, which is the main international gateway to Uganda.

Entebbe International Airport

The city has a rich history and was the site of a significant event in 1976, when Israeli commandos carried out a daring raid to rescue hostages from a hijacked Air France plane that had landed at the airport. 

The operation, known as Operation Entebbe, was a major success and is still celebrated in Israel and around the world as an example of skilled military planning and execution.

In addition to its history and natural beauty, Entebbe is also a hub for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. The nearby Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) is a popular destination for visitors, offering the opportunity to see a wide range of animals up close, including lions, elephants, and chimpanzees. Overall, Entebbe is a vibrant and fascinating city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, beautiful natural surroundings, and a commitment to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.

Some of the officials of Arsenal Supports Fans Club Uganda

Follow on Twitter:

Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club 

Official hashtag for the event:

#TugendeKampala2023

Your girl, yours truly,

Lisa Biwott.

With utmost regards and sincere appreciation to:

Mr. Jacob Katumba (Arsenal Uganda)

Ms. Ninaz Cheri (Arsenal Uganda)

Dr. Hannington Mwesigye  (Arsenal Uganda)

Mr. Meddie Kayima (Arsenal Uganda)

Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club,

Executive Committee, Gooners Uganda

The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended all the first three editions of the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival in Dar es Salaam, Kigali and Mombasa

Arsenal Africa Fans Festival, April 2020: Kampala Edition (Part 2) – The Charity

Official poster of #TugendeKampala2020

Nine is the number of participating nations gracing the #TugendeKampala2020, but do you know what eight of these visiting nations have in common? There is a conspicuous green color in each of these countries’ flags to signify natural wealth, agricultural resources and vegetation.

The flag of the Republic of Uganda

The sassy, Ugandan flag however, has three bold colors and tell you what? Green is none of them! The irony is that Uganda has a very rich food culture and yearly, the Pearl of Africa produces tonnes of food for its citizens, and according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 89% of the population in Uganda is food secure.

The grey crane at the center of the flag represents Uganda's national animal. 

ATTENDANCE IN NUMBERS

Arsenal fans in Kigali Rwanda during the second edition

In the Easter weekend of April 2020, Arsenal fans from across the continent will come together and paint Kampala City red as they gather in yet another fans festival dubbed Arsenal Africa Fans Festival (AAFF), also famously hash tagged as #TugendeKampala2020. 

Nigeria Arsenal Fans Club had been the latest entrant to confirm their attendance according to a Facebook post from their chairman Emeka Onyenuforo. However, due to unavoidable logistical issues Mr. Emeka later intimated that unfortunately, there will be no representation from Arsenal Nigeria in the 4th edition of AAFF, but he gave an assurance of future participation in the coming editions.

 Musandisiye from Arsenal Zimbabwe

Ghana therefore, will be the only country from West Africa to have a representation. A member of Arsenal Supporters Club Ghana estimated about five of their members will be in attendance. 

Other visiting fans include Arsenal Zimbabwe that has confirmed five of their members will be present and Arsenal Zambia has an estimated number of nine members.

Arsenal Supporters Club Tanzania through its representative, gave a figure of about 20 members, while Arsenal Kenya a country known to have huge turn outs expect a total of about 100 of its members to attend.

Members of Arsenal fans from Tanzania in Kigali Rwanda

Arsenal Supporters Club Uganda is the host nation and it is expected that over 50 of its fans will grace the occasion. Burundi is yet to confirm how many of its members will be present.

It is worth noting that Rwanda Arsenal Fans may not have its representation in the fourth edition of the AAFF due to collision of dates at the time when they will be having the 26th Kwibuka, an annual Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.

The Charity

Muslim Girls Day and Boarding Primary School, Busega

The #TugendeKampala2020 charity has been scheduled for Saturday April 10, 2020 at Muslim Girls Day and Boarding Primary School, a KCCA primary school in Busega. The school was founded in 1954 and is situated at about 100 meters from the Samona Products Factory along Masaka Road and about 15km from Nob View Ntinda hotel in Kampala, the host hotel for the #TugendeKampala2020. 

Muslim Girls Day and Boarding Primary School  has a student population of 367, with 180 boys and 187 girls, and since it is a public school, it is open for all children including those abled differently. The children are from Primary 1 (P1) to Primary 7 (P7), with some of the students being boarders at the facility while the rest are day scholars. The school is under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) where government contributes about $2 per head bi-annualy.  

Arsenal fans at Watoto Wetu Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam

It goes without saying that the backbone and the epicenter of Arsenal Africa Fans Festival since its inception has been giving back to the community through charitable activities. Back in 2017, when the first edition of the festival was unveiled in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania the entourage visited Watoto Wetu Tanzania, an orphanage cum non-governmental organization founded in 1998.

During the 2018 second edition in Kigali, Rwanda the contingent of Arsenal fans in partnership with the local government visited two victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and made monetary donations, bought roofing materials and took part in fixing the roofings of the almost completed semi-permanent houses being built.

Arsenal fans at a charity during the 3rd edition of AAFF

In Mombasa Kenya, during the third edition of the fans festivals, Arsenal fans visited a mission school in Utange called St. Barnabas Mission School. It was started in 2010. It shall be noted that in most of these charities Arsenal fans gave out monetary support, clothing and foodstuffs. Part of the activities usually involve cooking, cleaning, laundry, bonding and mentorship.

Presently, leaky roofs, holed floors, lack of furniture, no ramps for wheelchairs and lack of desks are some of the hurdles that students at the Muslim Girls Primary School face.  All these factors make learning environment constrained and pupils are not able to fully concentrate in their studies.

In order to continue the support of the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) of Universal Primary Education, Arsenal fans and the public alike, are urged to support this well thought initiative that will go a long way in helping these children realize their dreams. Donations and proceeds from everyone will go into building the floors, ramps and roofing the classrooms. Arsenal fans will also be privileged to share a meal and a drink with these amazing kids.

Medical Camp: Blood Donation

In a pleasant surprise of #TugendeKampala2020 charitable activities, there shall also be a blood donation medical camp set up next to the primary school for Arsenal fans of good will to donate blood.

According to Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), Uganda’s healthcare system uses about 1,500 units of blood daily but on average, only 1,250 units are collected every day, showing a daily deficit of about 17%.


A blood donation activity by Arsenal fans will tremendously help reduce the deficit. A fact about donating blood is that every single donation saves up to 3 lives, and when one donates blood it reduces risks of cancer and obesity while improving cardiovascular health. Are you a regular blood donor? If no, support the healthy cause and make your blood count!

The dress code for the charity is the Arsenal official red jersey, the home kit. However, on this same day Arsenal will be having an away match to Wolveshampton at Molineux Stadium, and therefore fans are encouraged to dorn their away jerseys for this match as is the club culture and norm.

Transport to and from the charity venue will be provided courtesy of  Arsenal Supporters Club Uganda and participating gooners are informed that pickup will be as from 9:00 GMT+3.



This article is dedicated to Nikita Waligwa aka Gloria of Queen of Katwe who lost her life to brain cancer.

The late Nikita Waligwa

Follow on Twitter:

Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club 

Official hashtag for the event:

#TugendeKampala2020

Your girl, yours truly,
Lisa Biwott M.


With utmost regards and sincere appreciation to:

Mr. Jacob Katumba (Arsenal Uganda)
Ms. Ninaz Cheri (Arsenal Uganda)
Dr. Hannington Mwesigye  (Arsenal Uganda)
Mr. Matinya Lusungu (Arsenal Tanzania)
Mr. Peter Mboye (Arsenal Tanzania)
Mr. Emeka Onyenuforo (Arsenal Nigeria)
Ms. Barikisu Mohamed (Arsenal Ghana)
Mr. Simbarashe Musandisiye (Arsenal Zimbabwe)
Mr. William Kamanzi (Arsenal Rwanda)
Mr. Meddie Kayima (Arsenal Uganda)
Mr. Stephen Ndung'u (Arsenal Kenya)
Ms. Leyla (Arsenal Burundi)
Mr. Michael Mniko

Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club,
Executive Committee, Gooners Uganda

The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended all the first three editions of the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival in Dar es Salaam, Kigali and Mombasa.

Arsenal Africa Fans Festival, April 2020: Kampala Edition (Part 1)

“Bonne année! Bonne année! Toute l’Afrique bonne année!” Bonne année is a song by Lucassa Ya M’bongo that simply wishes all Africans and everyone a happy new year!

Lucassa Ya M’bongo is a Congolese guitarist who has worked with among others; Sam Mangwana of the famous Fatimata song, Tshala Muana of Dezo Dezo song, and Kanda Bongo Man of the legendary hit song ‘My love Elizabeth’.

It’s pomp, flash, and color as we usher in yet another decade; the year is 2020, a leap year. Leap year comes once every four years. This article makes special acknowledgment to all Gooners and Goonerettes whose birthdays fall on 29th February. We understand, it’s not easy celebrating a birthday once in four years while the rest of us do it twelve-monthly, so hey mate, happy birthday in advance! 

Today marks exactly 100 days before the mega shut down in Kampala, Uganda in an all-rounded Arsenal fans affair dubbed Arsenal Africa Fans Festival, slated for the Easter of 2020. Every year, Arsenal fans in the larger Eastern Africa, part of Western Africa and the Southern part of the continent congregate in an annual fans festival to celebrate the unity that Arsenal Football Club has brought amongst its fan.

Gooners Uganda, under the able leadership of Dr. Hannington Mwesigye and Ms. Ninaz Cherie, alongside the Festival Committee, has shared preliminary program of the event to allow traveling fans of visiting nations to plan ahead of time logistics on transport and accommodation. I seek your indulgence as we dissect different key sections of the program to facilitate the making of one of the most anticipated events of 2020.

Nob View Ntinda Hotel. 

Nob View Ntinda Hotel, poolside

Nob View Hotel is the host hotel, located in Kampala Central, Uganda. The hotel has three types of accommodation packages; 1-bedroom apartments, twin & double rooms and single rooms. 

The 1-bedroom apartment has two beds that can host three people, a living room, kitchen area, and a fridge.


The twin & double rooms as the names suggest, the former has two separate beds that can host two people, and the latter has two sizeable beds doubled up to make one big bed suitable for couples. 

As indicated on the shared program: single rooms will cost you $30 per person per night. All three packages are half-board, that is, bed and breakfast. 

Single Room

Twin Room

Social amenities such as Health Club and an Olympic pool, free Wi-Fi are available within the hotel. 

There’s also DSTV and free computers to complement the rooms. The self-contained rooms and apartments have balconies that offer spectacular views of the adjacent hills. 

The hotel is 15 minutes away from the main bus stop and about 45 minutes away from Entebbe International Airport. Airport shuttles, Dhobi services, room services, storage rooms, bar & lounge, and restaurant are all available.

Jacob Katumba aka TBM

Mr. Jacob Katumba alias Thirsty Bar Man or fondly known as TBM is the person who calls the shots in terms of lodging logistics and can be contacted on +256 787 122 530. 

Everyone is reminded that the payment deadline for hotel booking remains by or before end of February 2020. 

Visiting fans who choose to make their own accommodation plans will cater for their own logistics.

Visa, Passport, Yellow Fever Certificate & ID. 

Uganda is a member state of the East Africa Community (EAC), and on 31st January 2018, a unanimous directive to roll out the new EA e-passport for all East Africans was given. The sole purpose of the e-passports is to ease border crossing for East Africans. 

Therefore, visiting Arsenal Fans from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi do not require visa for entry to Uganda. Only, the passport and the Yellow Fever Certificate suffices. In other instances, East Africans may use their national IDs as a substitute for a passport. Those with no passports can opt to apply for temporary passports at the immigration offices of their respective countries.

The new East African e-passport

For the rest of the visiting Gooners and Goonerettes, there are 3-ways to obtain your tourist visa for Uganda; on arrival, online from Official Uganda Website and at the Uganda Consulate or Embassy in your respective countries. It has been established that, among the three named options above, visa on arrival is the most preferred and recommended way of obtaining a tourist visa for Uganda, either at the port of entry like the border or Entebbe Airport. 

Uganda tourist visa will cost you $50 for damages. All passports should be valid for more than six months from the date of travel. International Certificate for Yellow Fever is a standard mandatory requirement across the board.

Flying to Kampala.

There are about 10 airlines that fly to Uganda either as direct flights, connecting flights or indirect flights, periodically. The most popular ones include; RwandaAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Fly Emirates and Qatar Airways just to name a few. All these airlines fly to Entebbe Airport, the only international airport and the primary entry point into the country. 

Subject to your location and the time of flight booking, prices will vary from airline to another subject to discounts, surcharges and of course, seat type whether economy or first class. Rule of thumb is: the earlier you book your ticket, the greater the deal on the prices.

 Flying Gooners and Goonerettes are advised to take advantage of the festive season to check out those flights for #TugendeKampala Easter of 2020. Ticket prices to Kampala, Uganda range from $200 to around $700, give or take.

Uganda Airline, recently relaunched.

The relaunch of Uganda Air less than six months ago, has been one of the most exciting news for Ugandans and the larger African continent. With the new kid in the block, this could only mean one thing, that airfares will reduce subsequently because of stiff competition that other carriers will face from Uganda Air. 

Currently, Uganda Air flies to Kenya, Tanzania, Somali, South Sudan and Burundi. South Africa and Central Africa routes are soon yet to be announced. Uganda Air first came into existence in 1971, officially being flagged off by the then president, the late Idi Amin Dada. The collapse of the Uganda Air in 2001 was as a result of liquidation by the Government of Uganda.

Road trip to Kampala. 

Modern Coast buses, tours East Africa countries

From past personal experiences, I’d recommend road tripping to Kampala, Uganda if planning to visit the Pearl of Africa when not in a rush.


It is relatively pocket-friendly and leaves you with beautiful memories as you feed your eyes on the green-carpeted landscape of Uganda. 

There are five countries that border Uganda, with Kenya to the East, Tanzania to the South, South Sudan to the North, Rwanda to the South-West and Democratic Republic of Congo to the West.

At all these border points, travel documents including passport or ID, Yellow Fever Certificate and sometimes visa for non-East Africans will need to be presented to the immigration offices at the border. One can choose to use a car, bus, motor, or a 4 x 4 for your entry to Uganda by road. It will be noted that, special permits are required for vehicles crossing the border including the Comesa Card, also called the Yellow Card Insurance. One can easily get this from their local car insurer.

3 Day Program of activities. 

The Easter of 2020 falls on the dates: April the 10 (Good Friday), all the way to April the 13 (Easter Monday). Being the fourth edition of the Arsenal Fans Festival, everyone will be converging in Kampala, Uganda, the host city.

The official arrival date will be on the Good Friday with visiting Gooners and Goonerettes expected as from 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. GMT+3. The guests will then check in at their respective lodging places before attending an Introduction Party scheduled to start as from 8:00 P.M. till late into the night.

Entebbe International Airport

Arriving guests will be picked from the Entebbe Int’l Airport as well as from the main bus terminal in Kampala town. Official representatives from visiting nations are obligated to liaise with their various teams and come up with a list of names, contact information and travel itinerary for its members to facilitate easy pick and drop.

Be a Gooner, Be a Giver tagline, resonates with most Arsenal fans across the world. Arsenal is well known for being more than just a football club as it supports many foundations helping the needy in the society: part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The noble gesture trickles down to its fans and it’s no surprise that the brainchild of the Arsenal Fans Festival is the charity. On Saturday 11, the main activity of the day will be the charity. Everyone will be required to put on the Arsenal home kit, our official jersey. Detailed information about the charity venue and activities to be carried out will be shared in the next article. The charity will take place from 9:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M.

After the charity, lunch will be served courtesy of Gooners Uganda and thereafter outdoor activities including ball games, tug of wars and board games to follow suit. And as the English Premier League season of 2019/2020 approaches the tail end, Arsenal F.C will have a match playing away to Wolves at Molineux Stadium on this day.

Panamera Bar, Kampala

The dress code for this particular Arsenal match will be the away jerseys. Panamera Bar in Naguru will be the place to catch the Arsenal match as from 5:00 P.M. until 7.00 P.M. 

And when the night falls, as predictable as it can be, while other cities in East Africa go to sleep, Kampala is just getting started for party after party after party. 

On Sunday 12, breakfast will be served from 8:00 to 9:00, and from then on, Arsenal Fans will have a tour of the larger Kampala City until 2:00 P.M.

Whoever has not been to Entebbe this is going to be an opportunity of a lifetime, as the Sunday afternoon will have the contingent travel to Entebbe with lunch on-board courtesy of Gooners Uganda. 

There will be beach games from late afternoon to early nightfall and then Gooners Uganda will be bidding farewell to groups going back to their countries on that Sunday. From 8:00 P.M. to around 9:30 P.M, official representatives of each supporter’s club, will then have a leaders meeting to plan for next activities and choose the next host country. After the meeting, everyone remaining will go back to Kampala to continue with party after party in the city that never sleeps. 

Monument at Uganda National Museum

Remaining Gooners and Goonerettes will on Monday 13, have a special visit to the Uganda National Museum and discover more about the Pearl of Africa and its history. 

Transport within Kampala, and to and from Entebbe will be provided by Gooners Uganda. Mr. Meddie Kayima is in charge of transport logistics and he can be reached on +256 776 458 863.

Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club was founded in 2010 and has been growing in numbers ever since with about 300 fans spread across the country. It is committed to creating space and opportunities for fans to support the only club awarded the Golden Premier League trophy in commemoration of the unbeaten run during the entire league season, the one and only Arsenal F.C.

Follow on Twitter:
Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club 

Official hashtag for the event:

#TugendeKampala2020

Your girl, yours truly,
Lisa Biwott M.


With utmost regards and sincere appreciation to:

Mr. Jacob Katumba
Ms. Ninaz Cheri
Dr. Hannington Mwesigye
Mr. Solomon Kuteesa
Mr. Michael Muniko
Mr. Dickson K-jo
Mr. Stephen Ndung'u
Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club,
Executive Committee, Gooners Uganda

Sources

#TugendeKampala Program

The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended all the first three editions of the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival in Dar es Salaam, Kigali and Mombasa.

Arsenal Kenya partnership with Tusker Lite Sky Bar

“We could have chosen any other supporters fans club, but we chose Arsenal Kenya.” Those were the words of Mr. Boaz Momanyi, Marketing Assistant Sky Bar. 

The official sponsors of Sky Bar is Tusker Lite, hence the name Tusker Lite Skybar in its social media handles. “You have the numbers, we have the experience,” he added.

Sky Bar is at the heart of Westlands Nairobi. Located off Waiyaki Way, inside Ibis Styles Hotel, along Rhaphta road. It is 450 meters from the Westlands round about.

Courtesy of Tusker Lite Sky Bar, Arsenal fans in Kenya are officially being invited to make Ibis Styles their home of entertaining soccer experience for all Arsenal matches in this 2019/2020 season.

“Hey guys, so we shall watch our match kesho (tomorrow) at Sky Bar in Ibis Styles. 

I urge you all to come in large numbers, lots of things in store for you. 

Invite all your friends let’s paint Ibis red,” read in part, a post by Gladys Gakenia to Arsenal Kenya fans on different social media platforms.

Balcony view at Sky Bar, Westlands

Well, it takes a little more than an Arsenal beautified poster and the venue direction, to convince fans that they’ll have a good soccer match experience. It’s no different with Arsenal fans in Kenya, and Gladys’ announcement was met with mixed reactions from the members. 

We all know why. Your guess is as good as mine; the beer prices. It’s a tradition that beer, nyama choma and wide screens make an amazing soccer experience, at least, if you cannot afford to catch the game live at the stadiums.

Seeing is believing. So I, and a few others went there to get the experience, first-hand. Dear Arsenal fans, Kenya, here is a brief overview of what Sky Bar offers.

Draft, German beer.

a). 2 jugs (2 litres) of Stylish Brew @ Kes 1,000. This is the German Draft   beer. The offer lasts until the first goal is scored, during the match time.

b). Local beers buckets offer @ Kes 1,500.  A bucket has 5 beers, any local beer of your choice.

c). Vegeterian platter and local beer buckets @ Kes 2,000.

d). Southern Fried wings, 1KG bowl with large fries and pitcher of beer @ Kes 2,200.

e). Large gourmet beef burgers, and large fries and pitcher of beer @ Kes 2,400.

f). Daily happy hour from 5:30 to 8:00 on all cocktails and Stylish Brew jugs.

g). Quiz night Tuesdays, Karaoke Wednesdays, Thursday Ribs night, Party night Fridays & Saturdays and Stylish Sundays.

It was more than obvious that we would inquire about the beer prices, as quick math shows that, a bucket of 5 beers for Kes 1,500 translates to Kes 300 a beer bottle. Mr. Boaz explained that, ordinarily a beer would cost Kes 450 and this he said is the standard beer price for most bars in Westlands owing to the fact that its an upmarket. 

Tusker Lite Sky Bar entrance

He also added that, enhanced features, the beautiful ambience, enough sitting spaces, prime location of the bar, excellent customer experience, proximity to the city center were some of the factors that were considered in their pricing. 

However, an offer of beer bucket for Kes 1,500 was considered in order to achieve this endeared partnership with Arsenal fans in Kenya.

Mr. Boaz assured us, the few members present, that if we bring the numbers, the Sky Bar management will surely reconsider their beer pricing to a further reduction. 

“Bring the numbers, we bring down the prices,” he concluded. Here is my two cents to Sky Bar management, "Retain the bucket price at Kes 1,500, and just make it 6 beers a bucket instead of 5."

Arsenal fans Kenya at Sky Bar during the Bornemouth game

From a personal experience, I want to believe that Sky Bar, could suffice as a good place to enjoy Arsenal games moving forward. We can make it our home venue for match screening this season, and weigh out the experience vis-a-vis the previous match venues we’ve had. If we bring our numbers, and they don’t keep their part of the deal, we will always have options. The management, through Mr. Boaz, promised a win-win situation, if we turn up in convincing numbers. 

More Arsenal fans at the Ibis Styles. Arsenal won 1 nil.

Arsenal Kenya Fans Club Facebook page, indicates there are over 36,000 members. But we all know, overall in the country, the exact number of Arsenal fans spills into hundreds of thousands, if not a million yet. In the spirit of Arsenal fans Kenya, let’s show them what we are made of!

Ms. Gakenia, will communicate to members the next scheduled match screening date. Meanwhile, let’s follow Sky Bar on Facebook at Tusker Lite Skybar and Tusker Lite Sky Bar on Instagram. 

#COYG

Your Girl, Yours truly,
Lisa Biwott M.