QATAR AMBASSADOR PLEDGES SUPPORT TO UPGRADE POLICE ARENA STADIUM DURING EID CUP 2026

KAMPALA, UGANDA — A major boost to community sports infrastructure and unity-building initiatives has been announced following a pledge by His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrahman Abdullah Al-Zweidi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Uganda, to support the upgrade of the Police Arena Stadium along Kira Road.

The message of commitment was formally delivered by Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu, Uganda’s Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan and Special Presidential Envoy to the State of Qatar, during the highly anticipated Eid Cup 2026, an event he hosted to mark Eid celebrations in a unique and impactful way.

The Eid Cup 2026 brought together a diverse audience of religious leaders, senior Uganda Police officials, diplomats, and members of the Muslim community for a symbolic and friendly football match between Sheikhs and the Uganda Police Corporate Team, led by senior leadership of the force. The match was not just a sporting contest, but a powerful statement of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Delivering the message on behalf of the Qatar Ambassador, Dr. Ssemuddu highlighted that the pledge to upgrade the Police Arena Stadium reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that promote social cohesion, youth engagement, and community development in Uganda.

He emphasized that sports remain one of the most effective tools for bringing people together, breaking barriers, and fostering peaceful coexistence. The planned upgrade of the stadium is expected to transform the facility into a more modern, accessible, and functional venue capable of hosting larger community events, sporting competitions, and national gatherings.

The Eid Cup initiative itself was designed with a broader vision — to redefine how Eid is celebrated by offering a halal-centered, family-friendly, and community-driven alternative to some of the less desirable activities that have increasingly become common during festive periods.

“This initiative is about reclaiming the spirit of Eid,” Dr. Ssemuddu noted. “It is about celebrating in a way that reflects our values — unity, peace, brotherhood, and positive engagement.”

The presence and active participation of the Uganda Police Corporate Team further underscored the importance of strengthening relationships between security institutions and the communities they serve. The match symbolized trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace and stability.

Religious leaders, represented by the Sheikhs’ team, also played a key role in reinforcing the message that Islam encourages healthy living, unity, and constructive social interaction. Their involvement highlighted the importance of leadership in guiding communities towards meaningful and responsible celebrations.

The event drew praise from attendees, many of whom described it as a refreshing and inspiring way to celebrate Eid — combining spirituality, recreation, and community bonding in one platform.

Beyond the match, the Eid Cup created an atmosphere of joy, networking, and mutual respect, bringing together people from different backgrounds under a common purpose. It also opened doors for future collaborations between diplomatic missions, government institutions, and community organizations.

The pledge by the Qatar Ambassador is expected to further strengthen Uganda–Qatar relations, particularly in areas of social development, sports, and community empowerment. It also signals growing international support for locally-driven initiatives that promote unity and positive social change.

As the final whistle marked the end of the match, the message of the day remained clear — that through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and community-centered initiatives, celebrations like Eid can evolve into powerful platforms for transformation, leaving a lasting impact far beyond the festive season.

In his remarks, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, James Ochola, speaking on behalf of the Uganda Police Force, expressed deep appreciation and excitement over the Ambassador’s pledge and the success of the Eid Cup initiative. He commended the organizers for bringing together religious leaders and security institutions in such a meaningful way, noting that the gesture to upgrade the Police Arena Stadium is a significant step toward strengthening community engagement through sports.

He further reaffirmed the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity, and constructive collaboration with the public, emphasizing that events like the Eid Cup are vital in building trust, harmony, and a shared national purpose.

The Eid Cup 2026 will be remembered not only for the excitement on the pitch but also for the meaningful commitments and partnerships forged — setting a new standard for how cultural and religious celebrations can contribute to national development and unity.