From highest peak to pitch; Margherita now the FUFA Uganda Premier League trophy

Decades ago, the highest peak of the treasured Rwenzori ranges was christened as “Margherita”, after Queen Margherita of Italy. 

This is the most highest height in Uganda, situated above Stanley (Ngaliema) Ranges on Mountain Rwenzori in Kasese District, standing at an elevation of 5,109 metres (16,762 feet).

The entire spot is snow capped and remains a treasure for many who endure to boldly climb and conquer it.

Out of sheer respect and design, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) decided to name the trophy for the winner of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) after the Margherita peak.

“The pinnacle of this Journey is 5.11 kilometres above sea level, symbolising the best team in the league, whose excellence mirrors the country’s highest peak-Margherita-the nickname of the FUFA Uganda Premier League Trophy.” a statement from FUFA read in part.

There is no that meets the eye to the name tag. First things first; the SUPL champion is one who deservedly gets the nod to represent the country at the prestigious CAF Champions League.

Winning the national league does not come on a silver platter. It takes individual and collective team effort, sacrifice, diligence, focus, deliberate efforts of planning, determination and the will-power to manuveur every hills and valleys.

And to reach Margherita the adorable peak, one boldly braves the thick rocks, dense variety of vegetation (tropical rain forests, alpine meadows, giant groundsel, moss, heather and lobella) and freezing temperatures to hit the intended mission and target at hand.

FUFA takes the due credit for the creativity to advertise a treasure as the Margherita peak to the world.

From the first thought of changing the trophy to the tedious process of photo-shoot on the snow aloft the peak, FUFA takes all the applause.

This is a bold manifestation of patriotism as destination Uganda is showcased to the world through a powerful brand of football.

Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) ought to take such initiatives as serious marketing gimmicks and seek formal long standing partnerships to further enhance sports tourism.

The design of the new FUFA Uganda Premier League trophy is rooted in a profound and symbolic concept that mirrors the country’s unmatched beautiful features. The trophy draws inspiration from Uganda’s towering hills and majestic mountain ranges, with top flight football teams heavily represented with competition on their mind to rise above one another with the main aim to reach the highest point in Ugandan football.

FUFA statement

About the trophy:

The physical form of the trophy creatively captures the essence of this narrative.

It is inspired by the shape of a football, stretched along a vertical axis to reflect the unmatched height of Uganda’s tallest mountain range.

Horizontally, the ball is pulled across a top chord to form a crescent reminiscent of a young moon symbolising new beginnings and the kind of nature of competition.

The body features hexagonal and half-pentagonal panels, maintaining a subtle homage to the classic football design.

This artistic body is mounted atop a semi-spherical base textured with dimpled ball patterns.

Supporting the trophy are two carefully crafted tiers; the upper tier bears the engravings ‘FUFA’ and ‘Uganda Premier League’, signifying its official status.

The lower tier is a glossy silver base providing both visual contrast and structural stability.

The entire ensemble rests on a flat stand, anchoring the piece with elegance and firmness.

The trunk of the trophy is adorned with a smooth texture.

Vertical lines subtly dimple along the trunk, seamlessly connecting the top and bottom patches.

These lines emulate the pattern of a stretched football, uniting symbolic narrative and aesthetic detail.

This trophy is crafted from fine silver, a brilliant representation of prestige and achievement. It stands at a precise height of 511 millimetres, a deliberate reflection of the 5.11-kilometre journey, the apex of Ugandan football.

Every design element, from form to finish, speaks to the ambition, beauty, and resilience of the game within the nation.

This trophy is not merely an award, it is a story cast in silver, celebrating those who strive to stand tallest in the beautiful game.

To associate Margherita the peak with the trophy of the national football league will boost sports tourism in a way or another.

Margherita is the third highest peak on the pyramid in the entire African continent after Mount Kenya (5199m) and Kilimanjaro (5895m) in Tanzania.

That said, it ranks highly and definitely will lure a couple more visitors (tourists) to visit.

The gigantic Rwenzori mountain ranges need to be well protected and preserved for they are a source of livelihood to Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt.

For the record, Mountain Rwenzori is also part of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What a way to celebrate the premium football league in the country with the Margherita trophy.

Vipers Sports Club becomes the first entity to lift the Margherita trophy on Saturday, 24th May 2025 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

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