Arsenal fans in Uganda have a major reason to paint the town red. A high-powered delegation from the Global Fan Network (GFN) and the world-renowned AFTV is set to descend on Kampala, bringing the authentic London-based atmosphere of the Emirates Stadium to the heart of East Africa.
The delegation, led by Robbie Lyle, the face of AFTV and a titan of global football digital content is scheduled to touch down on April 24, 2026. The visit, which has been months in the planning, promises to be a massive draw for the local "Gooner" community.
The development was confirmed by Barbara Nana Nabirye, the Special Presidential Assistant (Special Duties), who is chairing the national organizing committee. Addressing the media on Friday at Kati-Kati Restaurant in Kampala, she was joined by her deputy, David Mafabi, a senior presidential advisor on political affairs.
“We are expecting high-profile guests from the UK-based Arsenal fan base,” Nabirye noted, emphasizing that the visit transcends football.
While the primary event is a live watch party on April 25, 2026, as Arsenal takes on Newcastle United, the crew’s agenda is packed with professional and tourism engagements.
The GFN team is set to conduct two youth-focused workshops on the monetization of digital social media communication. This comes at a time when AFTV, which boasts an estimated 170 million monthly views, has become a benchmark for fan-led media, with its parent company reportedly valued at over Ug.Shs 30 billion.
Beyond the cameras and workshops, the delegation will be treated to a VVIP dinner and a tour of Uganda’s premier tourist sites, showcasing the country’s natural beauty to an international audience.
The visit comes at the most critical juncture of the 2025/26 English Premier League season. Arsenal currently sits in a precarious position, with 70 points from 32 games—trailing Manchester City by six points, though City holds a game in hand.
With the crucial title-defining clash between the two giants scheduled for this Sunday, April 19, at the Etihad, the excitement in Kampala is palpable.
Ugandan fans are expected to turn out in their thousands across the country, with major activations planned. Notably, the "Guinness Match Day on Tour" campaign is heading to Masaka City this Sunday, ensuring that even outside the capital, the passion for the Premier League remains at fever pitch.
For Robbie Lyle, this is part of a broader African outreach, following successful fan engagements in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Kenya. For Uganda, it is a chance to prove, once again, that its passion for the beautiful game is second to none.
