Mbarara City FC to host UPL home matches at Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo

Mbarara City FC president Mwine Mpaka believes the club’s decision to move its home matches from Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge District to Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo District will benefit both the club and its supporters.

The Uganda Premier League (UPL) side has been using Rwamwanja as its temporary home ground because Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara no longer meets the required standards for top-flight football.

However, the long distance between Mbarara and Kamwenge has proved costly for the club and difficult for fans who have had to travel far to attend home matches.

Mpaka said the move to Ntungamo will reduce transport costs and make it easier for supporters to follow the team. He also believes Africa Coffee Park offers better facilities than Rwamwanja Stadium.

“The reason why we are leaving Rwamwanja is not because it is a bad stadium. It is because of the distance. Every time we hosted a game there, we had to travel a long distance, which was expensive,” Mpaka said.

“Africa Coffee Park also has a better stadium. Our fans have faced the burden of travelling a long distance, but now that we are in Ntungamo, which is near Mbarara, it will be easier for them to come and watch our home matches.”

Mpaka made the remarks on Friday at Twed Towers in Nakasero, Kampala, where the club unveiled a three-year sponsorship partnership with Africa Coffee Park. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Africa Coffee Park representative Hilary Obukui said the company decided to partner with Mbarara City as part of its efforts to support sports and promote domestic coffee consumption.

“We want to build a culture of domestic coffee consumption, and we believe Mbarara City FC will help us spread that message,” Obukui said.

The partnership will also give fans who attend matches at Africa Coffee Park an opportunity to learn more about and taste the company’s products.

During the function, the club also unveiled its home, away, third and fourth kits, all carrying the words “Africa Coffee Park” on the front.

Mpaka also revealed that the club has asked FUFA for permission to change its name from Mbarara City FC to Ankole FC.

He said the proposed change is aimed at making the club more appealing to the wider Ankole sub-region, where Mbarara City is currently the only team playing in the UPL.

“Our other name is Ankole Lions, and we have always wanted the club to appeal to the people of Western Uganda, especially the Ankole sub-region,” Mpaka said.

“We believe that changing the name to Ankole FC will help more people embrace the club because they will feel it belongs to the entire sub-region.”

The club also unveiled several new signings, including Brian Aheebwa, Solomon Okwalinga, Ivan Bogere, Rogers Mugisha, Erick Tumwine, Hillary Musinguzi, Hassan Akoragye and Mahad Rashid.

Francis Mugerwa was named head coach, with Zaidi Byekwaso as his assistant and Andrew Egesa as goalkeeping coach.

Mpaka challenged the technical team and players to fight for the UPL title next season saying that they are now ready to compete for trophies.

Mbarara City finished 12th last season, four points above the relegation zone. They will begin the 2026/27 campaign away to Police FC at Kira Road Arena in Kamwokya on August 28.