State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in fostering sports development in the country.
He made these comments during his address at the unveiling ceremony of Betpawa Uganda as the official sponsor of Uganda’s senior national men’s (Silverbacks) and women’s (Gazelles) basketball teams.
Ogwang underscored the significance of corporate involvement in enhancing revenue opportunities for sports teams, saying it was crucial for facilitating sustainable development.
He emphasized that the challenges facing sports in Uganda necessitate collaboration with development partners, citing the prevalent global model where the private sector sponsors leagues and national teams, sometimes with minimal government support.
The Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) and Betpawa Uganda revealed a landmark three-year sponsorship deal worth Shs 2.6 billion at Fairway Hotel in Kampala. The sponsorship encompasses the Silverbacks and Gazelles’ travel, accommodation, player allowances, and medical insurance, aimed at enhancing player welfare.
Betpawa’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ntoudi Mouyelo, emphasized the significance of the partnership, highlighting it as the first corporate sponsorship for Uganda’s national basketball teams and Betpawa’s inaugural venture into sponsoring two different sports within the same country.
FUBA CEO, Marcus Kwikiriza, hailed the deal as a catalyst for improved national team performances. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the federation, affirming that the allocated funds will be judiciously utilized. Kwikiriza outlined ambitious goals, aiming for the Gazelles to ascend to fourth place and the Silverbacks to eighth place in continental rankings within the next two years.
The Silverbacks recently finished in the seventh position at the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket tournament in Rwanda, marking their third consecutive appearance, while the Gazelles reached the quarterfinals in the previous year’s competition.
