“Support Arsenal to Honour King Oyo”, Archbishop’s Funeral Remark Sparks Mixed Reactions

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba’s call to support Arsenal in honour of King Oyo has generated mixed reactions online.

A remark by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, encouraging people to support Arsenal in honour of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has sparked mixed reactions online.

Kaziimba made the comment on Saturday during the funeral service for King Oyo at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, Uganda, as he spoke about the late monarch’s passion for sports.

“Let us promote sports, because he loved sports so much. He supported local tournaments, he supported the Uganda Cranes. Above all, he supported Arsenal. So, if you want to follow his legacy, support Arsenal, all of you,” the Archbishop said, drawing laughter and applause from mourners.

The comment was made as part of a broader appeal for the people of Tooro to preserve the late king’s legacy by continuing to support causes he promoted during his reign, including tourism, agriculture and sport.

However, reactions to the Arsenal remark were divided after the comment circulated on social media.

Some users welcomed the Archbishop’s words, with one commenter writing, “Arsenal oveeeee!!!! We need to win the Champions League to honour our King!!!”

Another user said, “In Omusuga’s voice all of us to support Arsenal! Nangwa,” appearing to embrace the Archbishop’s appeal.

Others took the comment humorously, with one user writing that supporting Arsenal was like “standing in the mid of the road when the big lorry is coming your way.”

Another commenter joked that it was unfortunate that King Oyo died without seeing Arsenal win the UEFA Champions League.

However, not everyone found the remark appropriate.

One user criticised the timing, writing, “I support Arsenal but this is nonsense at this time!”

Another questioned why football was being discussed during a funeral, saying the Archbishop should have been addressing more serious issues instead.

Other comments were more critical of Kaziimba personally, with some users describing the remark as inappropriate given the solemn nature of the occasion.

The reactions highlight the different ways people interpreted the Archbishop’s attempt to connect King Oyo’s sporting interests with his broader legacy.

King Oyo was known for his interest in sports and was particularly associated with Arsenal. During the funeral, Kaziimba also recalled the late monarch’s support for local sporting activities and the Uganda Cranes.

The Archbishop’s wider message, however, focused on unity and continuing the work King Oyo promoted during his reign. He urged the people of Tooro to remain united in grief and use the period to advance causes associated with the late monarch.

“In grief, unity is so key. Grief shouldn’t divide us; grief should bind us,” Kaziimba said during the burial service.

King Oyo was buried on Saturday at the Karambi Royal Tombs following a funeral service attended by thousands of mourners. He died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34 after receiving cancer treatment.

The late monarch ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three and became known internationally as the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time. His death was followed by a succession dispute within the royal family, with clan elders selecting Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as his successor while members of Oyo’s family contested the decision.