For many an ardent soccer fan, this day means quite a lot. The piece of gold that they have always seen on television being caressed by soccer stars is finally coming 'home'.

Not that they will get a chance to kiss and later alone lift the World Cup trophy like Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro did four years ago, but coming close to the glittering trophy is a memorable moment in itself.

"It is a moment of celebration for every soccer-loving Ugandan. We want people to come and have fan," Coca-Cola Uganda brand manager Maggie Kigozi said on Thursday ahead of the trophy's arrival in Uganda tonight.

The trophy, on a Coca-Cola sponsored-tour, has already been to 36 African countries. When it finally arrives at Entebbe at 7pm, Uganda will be the sixth country in East and Central Africa to host the coveted trophy.

Education and Sports minister Namirembe Bitamazire will welcome the trophy at the airport before it is taken to Serena Hotel for a VIP viewing to be graced by President Museveni. The President is the only one with the right to touch the trophy. The public viewing is due tomorrow starting 11am at Lugogo Cricket oval. "All tickets have time slots for viewing the trophy. We need to be as organised as possible and observe time," she said.

The trophy leaves Lugogo at 5pm but before that, there will be performances by top musicians in the country.