By Clive Kyazze
Mbarara City have started a process that could result in the club changing its name to reflect the wider Ankole region.
The Uganda Premier League side announced that it will hold meetings with supporters and other stakeholders before deciding on its new identity.
“We have embarked on the journey to rename the club to represent the entire Ankole region,” club chairman Mwine Mpaka said in Kampala on Friday.
Mpaka whe member of parliament for Mbarara City South indicated that fans would be involved through consultative meetings to determine how the rebranding process should be handled.
Mbarara City have operated under their current name since 2016, following a merger between Citizens Football Club and Wakiso Town Council Football Club.
The proposed change comes as the club marks ten years of existence and introduces a new board, sponsor and playing squad.
Mpaka believes adopting a broader regional identity could improve mobilisation and attract support from communities across Ankole rather than limiting the club’s appeal to Mbarara City.
The club has already appointed Osborn Mushabe to its board with specific responsibility for mobilisation, while Anita Vicky will oversee sponsorship matters.
Africa Coffee Park has also joined as the main shirt sponsor in a four-year agreement at an undisclosed fee.
The rebranding process, however, is yet to produce an official name with the final decision expected to depend on the outcome of consultations with supporters and other key stakeholders.
Any change of name and identity will also require the club to fulfil FUFA and Uganda Premier League registration and licensing requirements.
