“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.

Saka’s Strike Seals Arsenal Win on Arteta’s 250th Premier League Match

Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal as Arsenal defeated Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Bukayo Saka delivered the decisive moment as Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday night, giving Mikel Arteta a winning result in his landmark 250th Premier League match in charge of the Gunners. 

The reigning champions found it difficult to break down a determined Villa side during a tense first half. The hosts came closest to opening the scoring when Emiliano Buendia struck the crossbar, while Arsenal also had opportunities through Kai Havertz. 

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 59th minute. Eberechi Eze helped create the opening before Riccardo Calafiori delivered a low cross into the area, allowing Saka to finish from close range and put Arsenal ahead. 

Villa attempted to respond and pushed forward late in the game, but Arsenal’s defence remained organised to preserve the lead. The hosts were unable to register a shot on target, continuing an early-season attacking concern after their opening-day defeat. 

The victory gives Arsenal two wins from their opening two league matches without conceding a goal, strengthening their early title-defence credentials. Aston Villa, meanwhile, have suffered two defeats from two matches and remain without a point. 

For Arteta, the victory added another landmark to his Arsenal tenure. He became only the 10th manager to reach 250 Premier League matches with one club, while also joining an exclusive group of managers to reach the milestone at a single side. 

Arsenal will now turn their attention to their next league assignment against Chelsea, while Villa will look to respond when they face Hull City.

Manchester United, Tottenham Suffer Shock Defeats as Premier League Opening Weekend Delivers Drama

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have endured disappointing starts to the 2026/27 Premier League season after both clubs suffered heavy defeats on Saturday.

Manchester United were stunned 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City, while Tottenham were beaten 3-0 away by Brentford in a damaging opening-day result for new manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The results capped a dramatic Saturday in the Premier League, with promoted sides making a strong impression and several established clubs dropping points.

Manchester United’s defeat at Hull was particularly unexpected. Hull, returning to the Premier League after nine years away, produced a disciplined performance and secured their first league victory over United in 52 years. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring before Nobel Mendy added a second, with both goals exposing problems in United’s defending from set pieces. 

United dominated possession but struggled to turn that control into meaningful attacking opportunities. The defeat represents an early setback for Michael Carrick, who had guided the club to a third-place finish last season and entered the new campaign with renewed optimism. 

For Hull, however, it was a dream return to the top flight and a statement victory against one of England’s biggest clubs.

Tottenham’s opening-day experience was even more emphatic. Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Brentford, with Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode finding the net as Brentford produced a dominant performance.

Tottenham also missed a penalty through Igor Thiago, adding to a frustrating afternoon for De Zerbi in his first Premier League match in charge. 

The result leaves Tottenham with plenty to address after a summer of significant squad investment, while Brentford immediately move to the top end of the early table.

Earlier on Saturday, newly promoted Ipswich Town also enjoyed a winning return to the Premier League, defeating Sunderland 2-1. Jack Clarke scored a late winner against his former club to give Ipswich all three points.

Leeds United also secured an impressive away victory, beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 through a late Anton Stach free-kick. The defeat spoiled Oliver Glasner’s first Premier League match as Forest manager.

Everton began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with Thierno Barry among the scorers as David Moyes’ side secured their first opening-day win in five years. 

Arsenal had already made a strong statement on Friday night, defeating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 to begin their title defence in convincing fashion. 

The opening weekend will continue on Sunday with three matches, including Bournemouth against Manchester City and Newcastle United against Liverpool. Aston Villa will also visit Brighton & Hove Albion.

With several of the weekend’s biggest teams yet to play, the opening round is already providing an early reminder that the new Premier League season could produce plenty of surprises.

For Manchester United and Tottenham, however, the focus will now turn to recovery after both clubs suffered defeats that were far from the expected starts to their campaigns.

The 2026/27 Premier League season only began this weekend, but the opening results have already created questions for some of the league’s biggest clubs.