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