RUKIGA – Arsenal fans in Rukiga District have been charged not only to maintain their passionate support for the North London club but also to establish a social communication cooperative union that will serve as a pillar of mutual support during challenging times.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The rallying call was made by Rukiga District Speaker, Hon. Akampurira Oscar, during a festive gathering organized by Arsenal supporters to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 England Premier League campaign and celebrate the club’s FA Community Shield triumph.
The event, held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Apo Hotel in Muhanga Town Council, brought together enthusiastic Gunners faithful for an evening of camaraderie that featured a live screening of Arsenal’s 3–0 victory over Manchester City, alongside a sumptuous supper, refreshments, and the ceremonial cutting of a celebratory cake.
Addressing the jubilant crowd, Speaker Oscar emphasized that while fans passionately support football teams competing from afar, there exists a pressing need for local supporters to remain united and extend that solidarity beyond the pitch.
“Football brings us joy and a sense of belonging, but we must not forget that we are a community with shared challenges and aspirations. Supporting Arsenal from Rukiga should also translate into supporting one another in times of need,” Speaker Oscar remarked.
The Speaker contributed seed capital to the Rukiga Arsenal Fans Association and urged members to remain steadfast in their unity by establishing a credit cooperative society (SACCOS) that would provide timely assistance to members whenever the need arises.
“We must think beyond the 90 minutes of play. A cooperative union will ensure that when one of us faces difficulty, the collective strength of this fraternity comes to their aid,” he added.
Presiding as the Guest of Honour, Rtd Brig. Rubahika noted that devotion to Arsenal transcends mere fandom, it is a source of profound joy that has the power to lift spirits and dispel sadness.
“I recall the early days when we dedicated our full support to the team, even without access to official Arsenal merchandise or playing kits. Our loyalty was unwavering, and today, that same spirit must continue to bind us together,” the retired Brigadier reminisced.
The celebration came on the heels of Arsenal’s emphatic 3–0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield held in Cardiff, a result that sent a clear message to their Premier League rivals.
Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match since succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City proved to be a nightmare start, as Riccardo Calafiori put Arsenal ahead after just 23 seconds.
Kai Havertz then doubled the Gunners’ advantage before half-time, while captain Martin Ødegaard capped the scoring shortly after the restart with a clinical finish.
The opening goal came through a brilliant assist from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who sliced through City’s defence with a glorious pass for Calafiori to convert. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the City goalkeeper, was left helpless as his Italy teammate finished coolly.
Havertz’s header from Ødegaard’s delivery made it 2–0, with Donnarumma getting a touch but failing to keep it out. The Gunners continued to dominate after the break, with Ødegaard dancing past Josko Gvardiol before sitting Donnarumma down and slotting home the third.
Arsenal could have added a fourth through Bukayo Saka, but the victory was already emphatic enough to send their fans into raptures.
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