Ugandan football fans are set for a major treat as a delegation of Arsenal Football Club legends, led by club icons Thierry Henry and Nwankwo Kanu, prepares to visit the country.
The announcement was made in Kampala by Nabirye Barbara, Special Presidential Assistant on Special Duties and Chairperson of Arsenal Fans Uganda, who confirmed that plans for the high-profile visit are already underway.
Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer and a Premier League Hall of Famer, alongside Kanu, the Nigerian superstar and two-time African Footballer of the Year, are expected to headline the delegation. Both are revered figures among Ugandan supporters, where Arsenal commands one of the largest club fanbases in the country.
Speaking during the announcement, Nabirye Barbara said the visit aims to strengthen ties between Arsenal FC and its Ugandan fan community, promote youth football development, and celebrate the club’s growing footprint in East Africa.
“This is a historic moment for every Gooner in Uganda,” she said. “Hosting Thierry Henry and Nwankwo Kanu shows how much Arsenal values its supporters here. We expect engagements with fans, football clinics, and meetings with key stakeholders in Ugandan sport.”
While the official itinerary and dates are yet to be released, the delegation is expected to participate in fan events, community outreach, and possibly meet government and FUFA officials. The visit is being coordinated through Arsenal Fans Uganda in partnership with relevant authorities.
Uganda has a long-standing love affair with the English Premier League, and Arsenal’s red and white colours are a common sight across the country. The arrival of Henry and Kanu—both Invincibles era legends—is anticipated to draw massive crowds.
Thierry Henry made 377 appearances for Arsenal between 1999 and 2007, with a brief loan spell in 2012, scoring 228 goals. Nwankwo Kanu, nicknamed ‘Papilo’, played for the Gunners from 1999 to 2004, winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups, and is celebrated for his technical brilliance and philanthropy.
Details on venues, public appearances, and fan access will be communicated by Arsenal Fans Uganda in the coming days.
