Uganda Baati Injects Shs20m into Hockey League

Roofing and steel manufacturers, Uganda Baati on Friday handed over a Shs20m to Uganda Hockey Association (UHA). The money is meant to develop the National Hockey League (NHL) and hence change of name to ‘Uganda Baati National Hockey League.’ The one-year deal is open to renewal –with the manufacturers promising a ‘bigger’ cheque next time if at all UHA fulfills their expectations. Hockey is one of the most under looked sports and yet if resources are availed for the game, a lot could happen. Uganda Baati Business Head/CEO George Arodi, a former hockey player narrated that investing in sports of any kind can open avenues for the youth. “Sports are a big source of employment for the talented athletes and hockey too should be turned into a money fetching avenue. Hence, a lot of work needs to be done but this partnership is a huge step towards greatness,” Arodi told the media, adding that they are looking forward to building a strong league. UHA Chairperson Lydia Sanyu Ddamuzungu is hopeful that the package will help spring new life into the game at all levels. “If we have a well facilitated strong league then eventually we shall have good players for our national teams. We promise to do our best to ensure that the league is a success,” Sanyu noted. The money will be used for facilitating essential affairs of the league. For the first time in many years, the league winners (men and women) will receive cash prizes. In December 2018, the Uganda Baati-sponsored national hockey team won silverware at the Magharibi Hockey Festival in Bungoma High School, Kenya. Early this year, Weatherhead and Kampala Hockey Clubs made trips to Kenya with Weatherhead returning with silverware. Uganda also took teams to Kenya for a 5-aside tournament.