On the terrace of the famous grass-thatched pavilion at Kyadondo Rugby Club was a well-planned interface between the media fraternity, officials from Uganda Rugby Union flanked by a delegation from the Nile Breweries Limited led by the Managing Director Adu Rando.
The day’s agenda was a key announcement about the sponsorship update of the 2025 National Rugby Premiership from Nile Breweries who have operated with the Rugby Union for now 16 years.
Twenty-five minutes past the agreed start time of 10:00 Am, the URU and Nile Breweries officials made their way to the specially designed seats by Fenon Events, a profound events management company on the land.
URU president Godwin Kayangwe Arinaitwe, General Secretary Peter Odong, and Dorothy Nekesa were some of the union officials present.
Rando was joined by the Nile Special brand manager Eric Malinga before the day’s MC Isaac Lutwama brought the house to order.
“Happy New Year!” Kayangwe opened up. “The Nile Special Rugby Premiership has already started and we are having the press conference rather late. We appreciate the clubs, players, fans and the media. To our partner Nile Special, 16 years is no mean feat. We prioritize the clubs who are the biggest beneficiaries from this deal and we promise to work hand-in-hand with them. Already, the clubs are fully aware,” he added.
The financial nitty-gritty of the contract extended for a season remained muted but with a pronounced increment of 10% from the previous running contract signed in 2022 of Shs 9.8 billion where the league property had been initially budgeted for Shs 2.68 billion.
“Nile Breweries is very excited to continue with the partnership of sponsoring Rugby in Uganda. We are excited about the continued sponsorship of the Nile Special Rugby premiership in Uganda with a 10 percent increment. We look forward to the continued high quality of rugby in Uganda,” Rando hinted.
Although a cross-section of journalists remained uncontented with the financial details, Rando insisted on the confidential clauses of not revealing any sort of figures to the media and public.
The offer covers the men and female national leagues as it will run for one-year duration.
The league property is one of the several franchises that Nile Breweries Uganda Limited signed with Uganda Rugby Union for a four-year duration.
The others include; Rugby Africa 7s, Rugby Cranes 15s, national 7s, women 7s, national 7s team, local regional 7s, Uganda Cup (men and women), University League as well as the annual dinner.
A couple of days ago, Nile Breweries Uganda Limited had issued a statement reassuring the rugby fraternity of their commitment to remain supportive of Ugandan rugby through leaps and bounds.
“Through these partnerships, Nile Special continues to elevate the sport, inspire excellence, and build a strong sense of community among players, fans, and stakeholders alike. To the players, carry on with the guts and grit to defy limits, overcome challenges, and inspire victories that make Uganda proud. Every try, every tackle, and every drop of sweat you give on the pitch embodies the unyielding spirit of champions. To the fans, raise your gold in celebration of the passion, energy, and solid support you bring to every game. You are the heartbeat of Ugandan Rugby, the driving force that fuels the players and electrifies every moment on match days,” the statement read in part.
With no formal documentation signed then, the opening two match days were marred with uncertainty and some clubs even donned attires from the rival beer companies.
“We have engaged all the clubs and we expect them to respect the contracts signed,” Kayangwe assured.
Nile Breweries Limited will also perfect the other match day activations in the media, on the different grounds and provide match-of-the-match plaques.
Week 3 Premiership Action:
Matchday three is here as the unparalleled bond between rugby and the nation’s most iconic beer is celebrated.
At the lakeside House of Pain ground in Busambaga, Entebbe; Mongers host Rhinos this Saturday, 25th January 2025.
At Kyadondo, there will be a doubleheader; Buffaloes against Walukuba in the early duel before Heathens will take on Elgon Wolves.
Pirates will face Victoria University at King’s Park while Hippos shall play Warriors at Dam Waters in Jinja and KOBs take on Eagles at Legends, Naguru.
For the women’s games; Nile Rapids will face Avengers in Jinja, She Wolves against Thunderbirds in Mbale and Ewes will entertain Nile Rapids in Makerere.
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