KAMPALA -Telecom Giant-MTN Uganda announced a takeover of The Cranes on Wednesday – resurfacing as the main sponsors of the national team side – nearly ten years since their informal decision to censor their relationship with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations – Fufa.
Fufa president, Moses Magogo – formally revealed the renewed partnership during The Cranes’ 1-0 win over Senegal watch-party at Serena Hotel in Kampala – which function attracted notable football stakeholders.
MTN Uganda CEO – Sylivia Mulinge declared the deal to the public – confirming Ugx19b commitment over five years.
“The value of the sponsorship is Ugx19b and it will spread over five years. But obviously – the investment that we shall put in will be a lot more because we seek to go across the whole of Uganda – just to reenergize and get people to fill the stadiums again as we support Ugandan Football,” she said.
According to the new deal, Fufa will pocket Ugx3.8b annually from the telecom giant in a deal that covers Juniors League, annual Awards, Crested Cranes, Drum tournament, and The Cranes’ regional tours.
The declaration of MTN as the main sponsor – automatically nullifies rivals- Airtel Uganda, which company has been The Cranes’ official sponsor since October 2013 – the time when the two parties endorsed a Ugx4b partnership that would last for four years before its renewal in 2017 with an improved version of up Ugx10b.
Magogo said he was excited by the new deal considering the figures but also MTN’s experience in rallying fans to support Uganda Cranes.
He added Fufa and the previous sponsors had accomplished the mission of rallying fans to storm stadia for match days, attributing the success to expertise.
The deal comes at a time when Uganda Cranes is competing at the on-going African Nations Championship- Chan where they are attempting to get out of the group stages for the first time.
The sponsorship also comes at a time when Magogo has officially announced that Fufa was ready to punch above its weight and see The Cranes participate in the Fifa World Cup 2026 – jointly to be hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico – which tournament Uganda dreams of qualifying for.
On Wednesday, Magogo reiterated Fufa’s earlier ambition of qualifying Uganda Cranes for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
“We have the overall objective and that is qualifying for 2026 world, we believe it is achievable but for us to able to do it – we are going to be engaged in a number of youth competitions,” he said.
