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 4th 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
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| 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.
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| 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, 7th 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.
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| The VILLA club Bukoto |
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, 9th April 2023
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| 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!
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| Musician Bebe Cool and his family |
About
Kampala: The Host City
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| 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
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| A beautiful white-sand beach, Entebbe |
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| Entebbe International Airport |
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.
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| Some of the officials of Arsenal Supports Fans Club Uganda |
Follow on Twitter:
Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club
Official hashtag for the event:
Your girl, yours truly,
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
