Vision Group gives Cranes lead fan air ticket to Gabon

Jackson Ssewanyana, popularly known as "Uncle Money", receives his air ticket from Vision Group's Deputy Managing Director Gervase Ndyanabo. PHOTOS: Asraf Kasirye

Vision Group has given Cranes lead fan Jackson Ssewanyana a smile.

Uganda's top media house has answered Ssewanyana's cry for assistance towards his Nations Cup trip with an air ticket.

Popularly known as "Uncle Money", Ssewanyana was over joyed and called upon other corporate bodies to emulate Vision Group with support for his ten man toupe's trip to Gabon.

Vision Group's Managing Director Robert Kabushenga, surprised by Ssewanyana's predicament said it would be unfortunate if the Cranes missed their lead fan.

"As Vision Group, we felt touched and are therefore offering him an air ticket," stated Kabushenga shortly after learning of Ssewanaya's plight.

"Uncle Money is not only one of the biggest fans but also promoters of Ugandan football. He is the face of Ugandan football and certainly one person who should not miss out on this historic moment of watching his beloved Cranes at the Nations Cup."

Ssewanyana on Saturday revealed that his troupe's trip to Gabon was in balance due to lack of funds.

Kabushenga said they decided to set him off with a return air ticket as a starting point and ask any other well-wishers to support him and his other band members with the rest of the logistics.

Vision Group's Deputy Managing Director Gervase Ndyanabo, while handing over the ticket to Ssewanyana, thanked Ssewanyana for his patriotism.

"We appreciate your efforts. We are also aware that you have good luck. We couldn't let you down," Ndyanabo told Ssewanyana and his troupe at Vision Group's headquarters.

The Nations Cup will run from January 14 to February 5 in four cities. Uganda will be based in the coastal city of Port Gentil.

 Travel from Entebbe to Port Gentil costs $1550 (sh5.6m) while accommodation is at $100 (sh350,000).

Sewanyana hailed Vision Group for leading by example.  He has appealed to more well-wishers to come on board and support his ten man troupe's travel and accommodation.

"I want to thank Vision Group for opening doors for others offers. I didn't expect this I am really happy.

I can now call upon other companies  and people  to continue helping us since I still have a  big number of my brand members who I have to travel with."

He has also called upon Government to also give a hand. We are not going to Gabon to do business but to support our country that's enough reason for government to support us."

He says besides his band of ten, he would also love to have his entire squad of 100 fans in Gabon.

Most nations at the Nations Cup fund such cheer groups' trips to the tournament.

Ssewanyana has put in place a mobile money fundraising arrangement. You dial *270*900# to send sh500 or more for Uncle Money's rescue.

By press time he had not yet confirmed how  much he had collected  but claims that there has  also been help  from abroad especially South Africa.