In an exciting development, betPawa has announced its sponsorship of Uganda’s National basketball teams, namely the Silverbacks (Senior Men) and the Gazelles (Senior Women), for the next three years.
The sponsorship agreement was officially signed today in a ceremony with the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA). The deal entails a total investment of UGX 2.6 Billion, which will be directed towards the management of these two teams until 2026.
Spencer Okach, Chief Brand Officer of betPawa, outlined the various costs that will be covered under this partnership. He stated, “The sponsorship will cover team training, travel and accommodation expenses for tournaments, medical insurance, supplements, and more.”
In addition to the comprehensive support provided, betPawa will introduce the Locker Room Bonus initiative. As part of this program, the players will receive a direct payment of UGX 150,000 for every match won by their team. The Locker Room Bonus aims to recognize outstanding performance and boost the morale of the players.
Marcus Kwikiriza, CEO of FUBA, expressed his enthusiasm about the sponsorship agreement, highlighting its unique aspects. He stated,
“This is the first time our players are receiving incentives such as the Locker Room Bonus, and it’s also the first time in East and Central Africa that a private company is sponsoring a national basketball team.”
The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, commended betPawa for their support and emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in sports. He remarked, “Sports in most countries are predominantly supported by the private sector. I hope to see more of the same in Uganda. We applaud betPawa for taking up this challenge.”
Albert Ahabwe, the national team manager and administrator, expressed gratitude for the sponsorship, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the teams. He acknowledged the financial difficulties faced in the past and the profound talent possessed by the players. Ahabwe stated, “With betPawa on board, we are ready to prepare. When we prepare well and in good time, we are ready to take over the continent.”
Ntoudi Mouyelo, Chief Commercial Officer of betPawa, emphasized the timeliness of the sponsorship, noting the global spotlight on basketball due to the Basketball Africa League. He highlighted that the partnership will provide increased exposure for players to top clubs both domestically and internationally.
Mouyelo stated, “With Uganda Silverbacks recently being recognized by FIBA as one of the most improved countries, we see tremendous potential here. Partnerships like this can help them aspire to even greater achievements on a regional and global scale.”
The sponsorship from betPawa promises to elevate Uganda’s National basketball teams to new heights, providing necessary support, incentives, and opportunities for growth. It is a significant step forward for the development of basketball in the country and sets a positive precedent for private sector involvement in sports.
