MTN puts a smile

Telecommunications giants MTN Uganda has injected Sh600m into the Uganda Premier League for the next two years to help in the faster growth of the league.

The deal was announced on Wednesday in a joint press conference hosted by FUFA, UPL and MTN at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.

The two-year commitment will see MTN spend sh300M per year, with part of the money shared by clubs as prize money at the end of the StarTimes UPL season, increasing the prize money offered by FUFA hence the league winner getting huge sums of the winning cash prices.

This, officially endorses MTN Uganda as the official broadcaster of the league on Sanyuka.

Speaking at the press conference, Somdev Sen, MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer said that: “With the reopening of the economy and permitting of social activities, the timing to energize local football is perfect. This move to recognize the people and institutions that promote local football is a sure way of growing this much-loved sport in our country.”

Depending on table rankings, all clubs will also receive a token financial reward at the end of the season from the team that will win the league to the bottom relegated team.

FUFA 3rd Vice President Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi said: “It’s wonderful that the no.1 telecom network in the country is partnering with the no.1 football league in the region. Football is an indirect means of communication. It’s a vehicle for economic development and unity.

MTN puts a smile

“I can proudly name MTN Uganda Lionel Messi because they are the biggest sports sponsors in Uganda having more following than all networks and companies combined.”

MTN joins title sponsors StarTimes and Pilsner Lager as UPL sponsors. The Chief Executive Officer Benard Bainaman promised to bring other sponsors on board as a way of increasing revenue.