The FIFA World Cup trophy has today landed at Entebbe International Airport where the eyes of Ugandans will be on the 6kg golden masterpiece for the next two days.
After traversing 49 cities in 34 countries around the globe, the FIFA World Cup trophy is once again back in Uganda. It was first here nine years ago in the lead up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This time it is in the build-up to the Russian edition, due later this year.
Uganda is not among the 32 World Cup finalists but it is among the 51 countries on the World Cup trophy tour that began in Russia in September 2017 and spent 78 days visiting 16 cities.
FUFA President, Moses Magogo who has been part of the team to receive the trophy at Entebbe says that bringing the trophy to Uganda is an inspiration for Uganda to aim to qualify for the World Cup.
The trophy arrived in Africa on Feb 22 in Khartoum and still on the continent until March 16, covering 10 nations. The trophy will have as its highlight tomorrow’s trophy display at Lugogo cricket oval.
As a country that has never won the World Cup, only one Ugandan has been allowed to touch the trophy – that is, President Yoweri Museveni, who received it today at 12pm at State House Entebbe.
The trophy will then be taken to the Coca Cola plant in Namanve and will wind up the day at the VIP affair at the Serena Hotel Kampala at 8pm. As many as 30, 000 people are expected to attend tomorrow’s public display where admission is via the purchase of one 350ml Coke bottle.