The Nile Special Rugby Premier League, the top-flight rugby competition in Uganda, concluded on May 13, 2023, with the Pirates clinching the championship title for the second time in their history. NBS Sport, the official broadcaster of rugby in Uganda, featured the final match as part of its commitment to bringing the sport to the nation’s screens.
NBS Sport, known for its slogan “Championing Ugandan Sport,” fulfilled its promise to broadcast at least one game per match day and often went above and beyond by airing two games on many weekends. The channel’s involvement in the Rugby Premier League aligns with its strategy to promote Ugandan sports and showcase local talent.
As a 24-hour sports channel in Uganda, NBS Sport recognized the opportunity to raise awareness of rugby and enhance its credibility by becoming the league’s official broadcaster. By catering to rugby fans, sports enthusiasts, and the wider Ugandan public, NBS Sport has supported local sports teams and fostered the growing interest in rugby through live coverage, player profiles, game analysis, and engagement on television and social media platforms.
Through its partnership with the Uganda Rugby Union, NBS Sport has effectively increased brand awareness and established a positive image for the sport. Additionally, the channel’s involvement in the league has expanded its audience and cultivated a dedicated fan base of passionate rugby and sports followers.
Reflecting on the successful season, NBS Sport Brand Manager Shafik Nekambuza stated, “The season was a great success for NBS Sport, and we are proud to have been a part of it. We gained valuable experience and connected with a broader audience of sports enthusiasts and rugby fans. Being the first broadcaster of the Uganda rugby premier league was an honor. Going forward, our audience can expect even more exciting coverage of local sports events as we continue to champion Ugandan sport and support local talent.”
NBS Sport’s sponsorship of the Rugby Premier League underscores the brand’s commitment to promoting and supporting local sports and nurturing Ugandan talent. By aligning with prestigious sports events and captivating the attention of sports-loving audiences, NBS Sport is solidifying its position as a prominent player in the sports industry. This success is likely to attract new sponsors and advertisers eager to connect with NBS Sport’s passionate audience.
Throughout the season, NBS Sport provided extensive coverage of matches held in various locations, including Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Wakiso, and multiple grounds such as the Makerere Graveyard, Legends Rugby Ground, Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, Kings Park Arena, Dam Waters Jinja, and Entebbe Grounds.
The channel’s dedicated team, consisting of over 30 resources including cameramen, OB van operators, reporters, photographers, and digital managers, ensured the delivery of live games and comprehensive coverage throughout the season.
“As we continue to champion Ugandan sport and deliver exciting coverage of local sports events, fans can look forward to future seasons filled with passion, talent, and thrilling rugby action,” Nekambuza added.
NBS Sport is a 24-hour sports channel available in high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) formats on platforms such as DStv, StarTimes, and Free-To-Air, and exclusively streaming on Afro Mobile. With its wide reach and diverse broadcasting options, NBS Sport continues to cater to the sporting needs and interests of Ugandans, bringing the excitement of local sports events to screens across the nation.