In a momentous event held at Fairway Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday, betPawa, a leading betting brand, declared their sponsorship for the Uganda senior national basketball teams, the Silverbacks (men) and Gazelles (women). The announcement was met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders in the sports community.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries such as Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang, National Council of Sports General Secretary Bernard Patrick Ogwel, FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi alongside his team, Allan Tumushabe, Managing Director of betPawa Uganda, along with his team, and esteemed national team players.
At the press briefing, betPawa made a significant announcement, pledging a whopping UGX 2.6 Billion to support the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA). This generous funding is dedicated to helping manage and develop both the Silverbacks (men) and Gazelles (women) teams until 2026. It’s a major boost for Ugandan basketball, demonstrating betPawa’s strong commitment to helping the sport thrive locally and globally.
The sponsorship encompasses a range of expenses crucial for team performance, such as training, tournament travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and supplements, among other essentials. This comprehensive support ensures that the teams are well-equipped to perform at their peak levels.
“Our partnership extends far beyond financial support,” emphasized Spencer Okach, betPawa’s Chief Branding Officer. “We prioritize critical aspects such as team training, tournament logistics, and player welfare to ensure the holistic development and success of the teams.”
In addition to comprehensive support, betPawa introduces the innovative Locker Room Bonus initiative. “We offer players UGX 150,000 for every match won, providing a direct reward to boost morale and recognize outstanding performance,” Okach elaborated, underlining the company’s commitment to player motivation and appreciation.
Albert Ahabwe, the national team manager and administrator, highlighted the transformative impact of betPawa’s support. “With betPawa on board, we are positioned to dominate the continent,” Ahabwe declared optimistically, acknowledging the pivotal role of financial backing in overcoming past obstacles and unleashing the teams’ full potential.
Marcus Kwikiriza, FUBA CEO, hailed the partnership as a groundbreaking moment for Ugandan basketball. “This marks a milestone for our players, introducing incentives like the Locker Room Bonus,” Kwikiriza enthused. “It sets a precedent in East and Central Africa, showcasing the potential of private sector sponsorship for national basketball teams.”
FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi expressed his gratitude to betPawa for their generous support, emphasizing its significant benefits to Uganda’s basketball teams. Sserunjogi underscored the importance of this partnership, noting its potential to enhance the growth and competitiveness of Ugandan basketball, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, he outlined ambitious plans for the future, expressing the intention to utilize this sponsorship to elevate Ugandan basketball to new levels of achievement.
Allan Tumushabe, Managing Director of betPawa, reiterated the company’s commitment to sports development through strategic partnerships. He affirmed their determination to sponsor more sports bodies, emphasizing the significance of supporting sports federations, as their revenue comes from sports.
Ntoudi Mouyelo, betPawa’s Chief Commercial Officer, underscored the strategic importance of the sponsorship amid increased attention on basketball. “This partnership will elevate players’ exposure to top clubs, both domestically and internationally,” Mouyelo emphasized. “It’s a catalyst for showcasing their skills on a global stage and achieving even greater success.”
Mouyelo pointed to Uganda Silverbacks’ recent rise in FIBA rankings as evidence of the team’s potential. “Advancing four spots to 83 out of 160 underscores the tremendous talent within the team,” Mouyelo noted. “Partnerships like these empower players to aim higher, driving regional and global achievements and fostering a culture of excellence.”
Bernard Patrick Ogwel, NCS General Secretary, celebrated the partnership as a pivotal moment for basketball, highlighting its significance in shaping the sport’s future. Additionally, he pledged to increase the government’s allocation of funds to basketball, ensuring continued support and growth for the sport.
Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, lauded betPawa for their visionary support. “Private sponsors play a pivotal role in sports development globally,” Ogwang emphasized. “We applaud betPawa for their commitment and hope for more partnerships to uplift Ugandan sports to greater heights.”
With this landmark sponsorship, Uganda’s national basketball teams are poised for a bright future, fueled by support from betPawa and a united effort from the sports community and government.
