Mbarara City FC is set to undergo a major identity change after the club announced significant changes in preparation for the new Uganda Premier League season 2026/27.
The club has already initiated the process by notifying the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) of its intention to adopt the new name Ankole FC, which is expected to take effect next year.
Mbarara City FC was established in 2016 following a merger between Citizen High School and Wakiso Town Council FC. Over the past decade, the club has established itself as a consistent presence in Uganda’s top-flight football.
Club chairman and president Hon. Mwine Mpaka explained that the decision to rebrand is driven by the desire to give the club a wider regional identity and make it representative of the entire Ankole sub-region rather than Mbarara City alone.
“Mbarara City has been looked at and, when you look at the club logo, it has Mbarara City FC, but below it is Ankole Lions. Our original intention was to have it more appealing to the entire western region, and specifically Ankole, where it is found, not just Mbarara City as asingle administartive unit”. Mpaka said
He added that the club wants to build a stronger sense of ownership among supporters across the wider region.
“So, in order to have the club appreciated because it is the club that is in Ankole, we have decided not only to leave it as Ankole Lions but rebrand it to Ankole FC because it is a club for the entire sub-region. We want everyone to embrace it and support it, not only in Mbarara but in all the districts within the region,” he added.
The rebranding plans come as Mbarara City prepares to mark its 10th anniversary on August 25, 2026. The club is the only side from western Uganda to have maintained a consistent presence in either the top flight or the FUFA Big League over the past decade, spending eight seasons in the Uganda Premier League and two in the second tier.
Meanwhile, the club has proposed Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo as its home venue for the 2026/27 season, subject to approval from FUFA.
Mbarara City has been forced to look for an alternative home after Kakyeka Stadium fell into a state that the club says does not meet the requirements for hosting Uganda Premier League matches.
“Kakyeka Stadium is in a dilapidated state as it has been turned into an event facility for most music concerts, events and celebrations by Mbarara local government, and it does not meet the standards of hosting league games,” Mpaka explained.
The club was consequently forced to play some of its home fixtures away from Mbarara, with Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge serving as its home ground last season.
“We have had to painfully host our games away from Mbarara. We hosted from Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge in the past season. If our request is granted to shift our home games to Africa Coffee Park, they are undergoing development and have an artificial turf. We have written to FUFA requesting authorization to use the stadium. It has already been inspected and we are looking forward to a positive response from FUFA,” he said.
On the technical front, Francis Mugerwa has been unveiled as head coach, assisted by Zaidi Byekwaso, while Andrew Egesa will serve as the goalkeeping coach.
The club has also strengthened its squad with several new additions, including Brian Aheebwa, Rogers Mugisha (KCCA), Ivan Bogere (UPDF), Eric Tumwine (Kitara FC), Iran Musinguzi, Akoragye Hassan, Solomon Okwalinga (Lugazi) and Mahad Rashid (Bunyaruguru United).
The deputy speaker of parliament Rt Honourable Thomas Tayebwa was confirmed as the club patron.
Mbarara City has also unveiled a revamped board structure as part of efforts to strengthen the club’s administration and development.
The board for the 2026/27 season comprises:
• Hon. Mwine Mpaka – Board Chairperson/Club President
• Nixon Tusiime – Board Vice Chairperson
• Hon. Mwijukye Francis – Board Member
• Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye – Board Member
• Eng. Jackson Byarugaba – Board Member, Administration
• Osborn Mushabe – Board Member, Mobilisation
• Anita Vicky – Board Member, Sponsorships
• Osborn Turyasingura – Board Member,Finance
• Benon Akandwanaho – Board Member
• Elone Natumanya Ainebyoona – Board Member
• Kigongo Asuman – Board Member
