MTN boosts UCI with a sh10m offer

Dec 16, 2012

The Uganda Cranes Initiative (UCI) drive continues to grow. MTN Uganda is the latest firm to offer support to the campaign with a sh10m offer.

By Norman Katende

KAMPALA - The Uganda Cranes Initiative (UCI) drive continues to grow. MTN Uganda is the latest firm to offer support to the campaign with a sh10m offer.

On Friday, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer Ernst Fonternel handed over a dummy cheque to Uganda Cranes striker Emmanuel Okwi at an event attended by a member of UCI, Johnson Musinguzi.

UCI is a voluntary initiative that welcomes companies and individuals to provide support to Uganda Cranes. Last month, UCI launched a sh200m drive to boost the national soccer team.

The support in cash and kind is meant to cater for, among other expenses, upgrading the team’s accommodation during training and games.

Purchase of new playing kit and improved medical attention are the other areas to be covered by UCI. Several companies and individuals have contributed to the initiative.

Recently, UCI organised a fans’ day where up to 100 fans met their heroes –– the Uganda Cranes players. The UCI drive also helped Uganda Cranes win the CECAFA Challenge Cup for a record 13th time. Uganda beat old rivals Kenya 2-1 in the final at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole to lift crown.

The drive was launched ahead of the annual regional competition and wants to go a step further in its campaign to take Cranes to the next level.

Plans are on to organise friendlies for the team with European opposition.

UCI believes this could boost the players' confidence and experience and also help the team qualify for major international competitions.

The events include the Africa Cup of Nations finals in which Uganda last featured in 1978.

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