Over 900m raised for the Uganda vs Barcelona legends match

Oct 21, 2015

The RG Sports Academy and the Uganda select versus Barcelona legends match on December 5 that will launch the facility, continued to gain momentum on Tuesday night when well-wishers of the academy pledged over sh900m to the two projects.

By Michael Nsubuga
 
The RG Sports Academy and the Uganda select versus Barcelona legends match on December 5 that will launch the facility, continued to gain momentum on Tuesday night when well-wishers of the academy pledged over sh900m to the two projects.


This was on top of earlier commitment of 180,000 euros (sh750m) from President Museveni and another 100,000 euros (sh420m) from Uganda Tourism Board.

The pledges poured in at a fundraising dinner at Serene Suites, Mutundwe, organised by Esther Ampumuza, the proprietor of the hotel, to officially welcome Barcelona legend Edgar Davids in the country on Tuesday.

true
Barcelona legend Edgar Davids (2nd right) talks to some of the guests tha included Minister for Tourism Maria Mutagamba (left) and and Ragga Dee (3rd left) during the fundraising dinner

The function graced by Tourism minister Maria Mutagamba attracted Kampala and the region's prominent businessmen, their friends and associates.

"In order to host these legends we have a price; we have to prepare; we need sh2.9bn to make this happen as a way of promoting sports tourism. We have a shortfall of sh850m which we must raise, that is why I'm here to entice you, because when we host Barcelona this country will never be the same again," Mutagamba said

"Tourism is everybody's business and it is instant so I call on everyone to contribute and participate in this project and be part of this match," Mutagamba remarked.

Led by UTB's Amos Wekesa who pledged $5000 dollars, others followed suit following the minister's plea with the highest pledge of the evening coming from the host, Esther Ampumuza who pledged $100,000 (sh365m) towards the construction of the academy and $10,000 (36m) towards the legends match preparations.

true
Esther Ampumuza together with the dinner's organising committee members addresses guests

Kwagalana group chairman Godfrey Kirumira chipped in with sh36m with his friends and associates from Uganda, DRC and Rwanda who included Ambassador Cyrus Majambere also pledging over sh50m.

Kirumira said the country was blessed to have the Barcelona legends come to Uganda and that their visit and the academy will change face of Ugandan football.

Barcelona legend Edgar Davids said it was important to support the country in their quest to improve their game and urged them not to lose hope of featuring at major tournaments like the World Cup.

Davids is in the country to create awareness of the historic match.

The sports academy is a brain child of Canary Islands born and former Real Madrid Castilla player Rayco Garcia.

The match is sponsored by President Museveni, KCCA, Nile Breweries, UTB, Sheraton, Crane Bank, FUFA, and UNICEF.

RELATED STORIES:

Barcelona legends to launch soccer academy in Uganda

Dutch football legend Kluivert in Uganda
 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});