Two-time Azam Uganda Premier League champions Vipers have revealed a Shs632m sponsorship deal with cement manufacturers, Hima Cement.
The two-year deal was jointly announced by the club president Lawrence Mulindwa and Hima sales director Partrick Mugenyi at a media briefing held at Golf Course Hotel.
“One Team One Dream One Team One Dream,” a visibly excited Mulindwa bellowed while welcoming Hima Cement into what he called “a purposeful marriage.”
The money will cover all aspects of the club from travel to allowances ahead of the team’s Caf Confederations Cup campaign starting in the first quarter of 2017.
“We have been into rugby, kickboxing and motorsport while testing the waters and now we have come big time,” Mugenyi, smiling ear to ear, said.
“Vipers should remain committed to accountability and football is a universal language. You saw how we were all happy when that goal went in for Uganda to qualify for the Nations Cup,” Mugenyi added.
Faoruk Miya, scorer of the goal in Uganda Cranes’ 1-0 victory over Comoros to qualify for a first Nations Cup in 39 years, is a Vipers’ product. He moved to Belgian side Standard Liege in January.
Vipers’s home and away kits, emblazoned with the Hima Cement logo at the front, were unveiled after the dummy cheque was raised for the flashing cameras.
Mulindwa, previously the sole financer of the club, spoke of his relief. “Of course it’s relief on my side,” the ex-Fufa president said.
However, Mulindwa and his finance director Vincent Sajjabi refused to reveal the annual budget of Vipers, one of the better organized clubs here, when the question was raised by NTV’s Sam Mpoza.
Vipers become the fifth club to have a shirt sponsors, albeit Bul, Sadolin and URA have their own mother companies on their kits.
KCCA and SC Villa have deals with Startimes, Bright Stars got Lato Milk, whereas newcomers Onduparaka have Betway.
