Mbarara City FC has embarked on a major administrative and sporting transformation, unveiling a new board and setting its sights on an ambitious Uganda Premier League title challenge in the 2026/27 season.
The changes, announced on Friday, August 21, at Twed Tower in Nakasero, Kampala, form part of a broader restructuring aimed at strengthening the club’s leadership, financial base and sporting ambitions.
Hon. Mwine Mpaka was appointed Board Chairperson and Club President, with Nixon Tusiime taking up the position of Vice Chairperson.
The new board also includes Hon. Francis Mwijukye, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye, Eng. Jackson Byarugaba, Osborn Mushabe, Anita Vicky, Osborn Turyasingura, Benon Akandwanaho, Elone Natumanya Ainebyoona and Kigongo Asuman.
The new leadership inherits a club intent on making a significant leap forward after Mbarara City finished 12th in the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League season with 26 points.
As part of the drive to mount a stronger challenge, the club unveiled eight new players, including Brian Aheebwa from Arba Minch City FC, Rogers Mugisha from KCCA FC, Ivan Bogere from UPDF FC, Solomon Okwalinga from Lugazi FC and Eric Tumwine from Kitara FC.
Iran Musinguzi and Akoragye Hassan have joined from Kyambura Rasters, while Mahad Rashid arrives from Bunyaruguru United.
The club is also expected to unveil Francis Mugerwa as its new head coach as preparations for the new campaign gather pace.
Off the pitch, Mbarara City has secured a major boost after agreeing a four-year shirt sponsorship deal with Africa Coffee Park, which will become the club’s main shirt sponsor.
The partnership comes as the club pursues a wider commercial and identity transformation, including plans to rebrand as Ankole FC.
Mbarara City has already begun consultations with its supporters and other stakeholders over the proposed name change, which the club believes would give it a broader regional identity and strengthen its long-term growth prospects.
The club was established in 2016 following the merger of Citizens FC and Wakiso Town Council FC and will celebrate its 10th anniversary on August 25.
After eight seasons in the Uganda Premier League, the club is now seeking to reposition itself as a stronger representative of the wider Ankole region.
The proposed rebranding is also being pursued alongside efforts to resolve the club’s long-standing home-ground challenge.
Kakyeka Stadium no longer meets the standards required to host Uganda Premier League matches, forcing Mbarara City to stage its home fixtures at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge District.
The club is now seeking approval from the FUFA Licensing Committee to use Africa Coffee Park Stadium in Rwashamaire Town, Ntungamo District, as its home venue.
With a new board, strengthened squad, fresh commercial backing and a possible regional rebrand on the horizon, Mbarara City is positioning itself for what could be the most transformative season in its history.
The immediate target is clear: to move from consolidation to contention and mount a serious challenge for the Uganda Premier League title in 2026/27.
