The Global Reach of Football: A Road Trip Through Uganda
During a road trip across Uganda, I was struck by the overwhelming presence of Premier League football shirts—a testament to the global reach and influence of the English Premier League (EPL). While jerseys from German, Spain, Italy and Africa clubs can be seen, none can rival the ubiquity of the iconic Premier League lion badge. That emblem roars across Uganda as a potent symbol of English soft power and cultural impact.
This dominance is no accident. In 1995, Uganda’s first satellite TV provider, the South African-based Digital Satellite Television (DStv), began broadcasting live EPL matches. These broadcasts quickly infiltrated hotels and bars in Kampala and larger regional towns. By 1997, EPL matches had become significant public events, galvanizing not only Uganda’s already passionate football fan base but also drawing in broader sections of the population.
It might be easy to attribute Uganda’s connection to the EPL solely to its colonial history, but the real explanation is far more nuanced. The fast-paced, high-energy style of English football has a universal appeal. Moreover, EPL teams historically featured more African and Black players than their European counterparts, creating a deeper sense of identification among Ugandan fans. The advent of satellite broadcasting, combined with the dominance of Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United during the late 1990s and early 2000s, further solidified the league’s popularity. Among Ugandan fans, Arsenal emerged as the most widely supported club, though Manchester United also commands a substantial following.
While football shirts are the focal point of these photographs, they represent much more than team loyalty. They offer a look into the vibrant, textured street life of Uganda’s towns and villages.
#12 Arsenal
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#01 Manchester United
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