When the Airtel Uganda new Managing Director, VG Somasekhar announced a Shs10 billion package for the Uganda Cranes, the communication might have sent ‘goose pimples’ on many people in attendance at Serena Hotel in Kampala.
The telecommunications giants announced a 6 billion increment, an improvement from the previous 4 billion deal that was sealed and signed on October 23rd, 2013.
The new partnership was announced on Monday, 6th November 2017 witnessed by FUFA President Moses Magogo and the State Minister for Sports Charles Bakabulindi, who represented the first lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni.
Uganda Cranes captain, Dennis Onyango and his vice Hassan Wasswa Mawanda represented the playing staff flanked by the team manager, Chrispus Muyinda.
Following Uganda Cranes qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, for the first time in over 39 years, the script was well written on the wall, Uganda’s football had manifested a great stride.
A bulk of the Shs 10 billion will be channeled to the Uganda Cranes with other immediate beneficiaries as FUFA Juniors League, Airtel Rising Stars, FUFA Uganda Cup as well as the FUFA Big League.
The time period for the new deal is still four years that will go through till 2021.
Bakabulindi commended Airtel Uganda for the promise to continue supporting Ugandan football.
Uganda Cranes team has earned the admiration for the skill and dedication they bring to the game of football.
We are grateful to see an international brand like Airtel Uganda sharing the passion and love that we have for this team by sponsoring the national team
Airtel Uganda Managing Director, VG Somasekhar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue sponsoring the national team.
Since we signed the partnership agreement with the Uganda Cranes, we have enjoyed a long list of successes both for the team and for the individual players.
To us, this is an indication that strong partner that believes in you is a key component of success.
The sponsorship signifies an opportunity to support the nation’s best football team and to celebrate Uganda’s rich and competitive culture, as well as love for the beautiful game.
We remain committed to the development of Ugandan football right from the grassroots community level all the way to the international scene
FUFA President, Moses Magogo lauded Airtel Uganda for the renewed partnership.
I thank Airtel Uganda for the renewal of the sponsorship. Coaches, players and referees create the football product which is marketed to the fans and sponsors. Government does the regulation.
This is the biggest sponsorship in the history of this country. It is not about today but the future. I also thank the Government of Uganda for the continued support to FUFA and Uganda Cranes
Onyango singled out Airtel’s contribution for development of football right from the grass roots through the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS).
I would not have made it without the team. It means a lot to us and footballers and as country. Since Airtel came on board, we have seen a lot of progress through the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) and regional tours.
People are always excited to see the local stars of the national team in their localities. Football brings hope to everyone. Airtel Uganda has done a lot to promote the national team.
Airtel Uganda has taken team to the next level and steered the team to the right direction.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Cranes entered residential camp at Sky Hotel in Naalya in preparation for the final 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville on 12th November 2017.
