Mulindwa hails Azam deal

By James Bakama 

CECAFA vice president Lawrence Mulindwa has welcomed the idea of Azam TV’s sponsorship of the Uganda Premier League. 

Mulindwa (inset), who doubles as FUFA honorary president, has also urged clubs to support the Tanzanian pay TV. 

Mulindwa made the remarks yesterday while delivering his New Year message at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel. 

“It is good that clubs are now seeing the light. Clubs should know their rights,” said Mulindwa citing the league’s previous sponsorship. 

Soccer governing body FUFA has reportedly offered broadcasting rights of the Uganda Premier League to Azam. 

Sources say the company will offer $2.5m (about sh6.8b in a three and a half year deal. 

The development points to an end of funding by another television company SuperSport. 

Mulindwa used the occasion to thank President Yoweri Museveni, Government, the fans, the players and the media for support rendered to football. 

To Government, the former FUFA boss was full of praises. “It is worth noting that Government support towards the game has continued to shoot up and this gesture must be appreciated as we pray for more allocations in terms of materials and finances.” 

He was also full of praise for the media. 

“I wish in a very sincere manner to commend the media for the continued support towards the game and the positive criticisms that automatically serve as check points to the entire football leadership across the country,” he said. 

“I urge you to maintain the trend but avoid sensational opinions that may divert us from the good cause.” 

He also noted that this should be a moment to take stock. 

“I urge all stakeholders to echo on the challenges in the previous year and use them as key lessons for building a better game in 2015,” Mulindwa stated. 

“We all have a duty and obligation to examine where we fell short of our targets, plan new strategies and seek assistance where we need it.” 

To the FUFA leadership, Mulindwa said: “we expect you to steer our game in a more united direction to avoid further statements that may demoralize our fans, the sponsors and the government.” 

Mulindwa believes the Cranes can qualify for the 2017 Nations Cup, and that 2015 should be a year of preparation. 

He added: “The current crop of players can make it. We should have actually been in Equatorial Guinea if we had maintained our tradition of winning all our home games.” 

Mulindwa has also called for accountability. 

“Transparency should be crucial in 2015. Whichever coin that is injected in the federation should be accounted for,” he remarked. 

He also congratulated the She Cranes for qualifying for the 2015 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia. 

“As the sports fraternity we feel proud of you. I shall at an opportune time make my contribution towards Uganda’s participation in Sydney,” Mulindwa said.