Ugandan fans set to welcome Premier League trophy on October 11–13

From market vendors and boda-boda riders to corporates, politicians, royals and clergymen, the English Premier League has over the years captured the imagination of Ugandans from all walks of life.

Neither the royals nor the proletariat have been spared the infectious passion for the world's most-watched domestic football league.

That passion is set to reach another level when Uganda welcomes the iconic Premier League trophy from October 11–13, 2026, as part of a three-country East African tour sponsored by Guinness.

It will be the first time in more than a decade that the coveted trophy returns to the Pearl of Africa, giving Ugandan fans an opportunity to come face-to-face with one of football's most recognisable symbols.

For millions who experience the drama of the Premier League through television and digital screens every weekend, the trophy's arrival offers a rare chance to experience a piece of that excitement in person.

Thousands of fans are expected to flock to Vision Group's head office on Monday, October 12, where the iconic 25-kilogramme trophy is scheduled to make an appearance.

As Uganda prepares for the historic visit, Vision Sport takes a look at some of the country's most prominent Premier League fans.

Royals and Red Devils

Buganda Kingdom's Princess Katrina Ssangalyambogo leads the royal contingent of Premier League enthusiasts.

The jovial Manchester United diehard is a well-known supporter of the English giants and has even travelled to Old Trafford to watch her beloved club in action.

According to a royal guard who spoke to Vision Sport, Ssangalyambogo's passion for Manchester United was influenced by her father, His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who is also a staunch supporter of the Red Devils.

The Kabaka has, on several occasions, been seen donning Manchester United snapdragon jerseys during his leisure time at the royal palace in Banda.

Clergy joins football frenzy

Among Uganda's football-loving clergy, Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu stands out as a passionate Arsenal supporter.

The outspoken Gunners fan has not only preached the word of God from the pulpit but has also openly displayed his affection for Arsenal, at times encouraging fellow clergy and believers to join the club's growing Ugandan fan base.

His latest remarks came during the send-off for the late Tooro Kingdom Omukama, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru.

Kazimba urged mourners to honour the late king's legacy by supporting Arsenal.

"Above all, the late King Oyo supported Arsenal. So if you want to keep his legacy, support Arsenal, all of you, including you ManU fans," Kazimba said.

Musicians divided between giants

Uganda's entertainment industry is equally divided along Premier League lines.

Musicians including Bebe Cool, Gloria Bugie, Lydia Jazmine, Spice Diana, Alien Skin, Mathias Walukaga and Ykee Benda have openly declared their allegiance to the Gunners.

On the other side of the football divide are Manchester United supporters such as Papa Mesach Ssemakula, Geoffrey Lutaaya, Eddy Kenzo, Navio, Bruno K, Azawi and Karole Kasita, among others, with renowned DJs DJ Shiru and VJ Junior not spared.

Chelsea also have their share of celebrity support, with musicians Pia Pounds and Pallaso among the club's known Ugandan fans.

Politicians join Premier League debate

In the political environment, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has on several occasions posted about Arsenal and Manchester United on his official X account, although his official club allegiance remains unclear.

But Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, are among the country's prominent Red Devil fans.

Former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Mukono Municipality's Betty Nambooze Bakireke, as well as Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu, top the Arsenal diehards list.

Liverpool's corporate following

Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama and Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa are among the country's prominent Liverpool supporters, adding another layer to the fierce but often friendly Premier League rivalry, not forgetting vocal renowned journalist Aldrine Nsubuga Sr.