In a groundbreaking initiative, the Corporate Sports Network, trading as ASTRA CORPORATE SPORTS NETWORK, has been unveiled by team managers from over 30 corporate companies. This development was confirmed during a press briefing held on Monday at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
Created on January 13th, 2024, and officially registered on January 24, 2024, this innovative network stems from a collaborative effort to foster productive corporate networks. The primary objective is to bring together the staff of member companies through engaging in various sports activities each month, promoting teamwork, well-being, and corporate camaraderie.
The Founding members, recognizing the need for active corporate participation, appointed a dedicated Secretariat on January 13, 2024, responsible for day-to-day operations. The Secretariat comprises:
- General Manager: Charles Ssempagala
- Finance: Nicholas Masembe
- Operations: Julie Makune
- Technical: Asadu Semeere
- Administrator: Esther Nabukalu
- PRO: Leslie Barigye
Following free and fair elections on March 2, 2024, the Executive Committee was elected:
- Chairman: Simeon Bulezi from Graphics Systems
- Vice Chairman: Edirisa Ngobi from Quality Chemical Industries
- Discipline: Julius Kafuluma – Vision Group
- Publicity: Alex Balimwikungu
According to the First Chairman of the Corporate Sports Network, Simeon Kawuma, the league’s Founder Members recognized the necessity for active corporate involvement in managing an entity befitting a corporate body.
Chairperson of the Corporate Social Network, Simeon Bulezi, expressed excitement about the league’s commencement, acknowledging the tremendous response from companies. He emphasized the network’s commitment to accountability, prioritizing participants’ needs and ensuring expectations are met.
“We are excited about the commencement of the league. We are grateful for the companies that have confirmed participation in the 2024 league opener. We are optimistic about more companies joining along the way.”
“We are here to ensure that the pertinent needs of the participants are given priority. We are about accountability and ensuring that the expectations of participating members are met,” he said.
The Corporate Social Network places significant emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and pledges active engagement in community-benefiting projects.
Charles Ssempagala, the General Manager of Corporate Sports Network and head of the Secretariat, highlighted the benefits of companies participating in the games, including team building, branding through free exhibitions, and marketing opportunities. Individuals stand to gain fitness, strengthen bonds, and have fun.
Additionally, the Corporate Sports Network Night, held every first Friday of the month, will provide a relaxed environment for fostering bonds.
The inaugural outing is scheduled for Sunday, March 24, at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) at 9:00 a.m. Over the next nine months, various venues including Mandela National Stadium, MUBS, Luzira Prisons Grounds, Quality Chemicals Limited Luzira, Hotel Africana, Kyaddondo Rugby Club, will host games.
The 2024 season will conclude with a Grand Dinner and awards ceremony in December, featuring exciting games such as Football (7 Aside), Netball, Basketball, Woodball, VolleyBall, Swimming, Pool, Athletics, and Fun Games.
The companies expected to participate this season are: Africa Global Logistics (AGL), Case Hospital (also the official medical provider), CCBA (Coca Cola), Centenary Bank, DFCU, DHL, DTB, Dumen Orange, Graphic Systems, Haris International, HFB, Hotel Africana, Huawei, I&M Bank, Jubilee Life, Mogo Loans, MTN, NSSF, Nile Breweries Ltd (NBL), NWSC, Pepsi, Post Bank, Quality Chemical Industries, Uganda Red Cross, Roofings Group, Royal Van Zanten, SGA Security, Stanbic Bank, Tropical Bank, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Uganda Prisons Services, UETCL, URA, UWEC. A few more companies have expressed interest to join but are yet to confirm and have been informed of the deadline on 15th March 2024.
The Corporate Sports Network stands poised not only to redefine corporate engagement through sports but also to make a positive impact on corporate social responsibility and community development.
