FUFA gets boost for Cranes from 660m UGX from NIC Insurance

The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has announced a major sponsorship deal in the form of 660 Million UGX insurance cover for the Uganda Cranes players and staff while they are on duty, from National Insurance Corporation (NIC).

Leading Ugandan insurance company NIC and FUFA, the organisers of the Uganda Cranes, the country's national football side, have signed a one-year renewable contract which will provide insurance cover for the side's players.

The policy covers the possible death and injuries of thirty-three Uganda Cranes players and officials locally while on duty and/or while travelling to duty - twenty-eight persons inclusive of players and officials while travelling, inclusive of aviation insurance.

"In the developing world, people may not appreciate how expensive and valuable insurance is. But as FUFA we are humbled by this partnership, considering that FIFA has directed all Football Associations and Clubs to insure their players. This should have cost us money had it not been for NIC. We are indeed grateful to NIC and call upon all Ugandans, businesses in Uganda and Uganda Cranes wishers to insure with NIC", said Mr. Sam Mpiima, the Secretary of the FUFA Marketing Committee.

"We believe the insurance cover will motivate the team to reach the finals of Africa’s biggest soccer tournament because it will play with minimal worries", said NIC managing director Dr. Samson Akinwale.

Photo: FUFA's Katumba Steven, Edgar Watson, Sam Mpiima, Bobby Williamson with NIC managing director Dr. Samson Akinwale

Says Botha: "The success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ clearly demonstrated Africa’s passion for the beautiful game. With this sponsorship, MTN will bring the excitement from live English Premiership matches to the homes of millions of football fans in Africa. This continues the legacy we have built over the years with our support for football and clearly demonstrates our passion for the game and our brand leadership".

In March this year, MTN and Manchester United Football Club concluded a three-and-a-half year business partnership which saw MTN become the exclusive South African telecommunications partner of the world’s best-supported football club.

Across its sixteen operations in Africa, MTN also supports football through various initiatives, including sponsorship of football clubs.

Mr Imtiaz Patel, CEO of SuperSport, said: "MTN is the ideal partner when it comes to football, with its vast footprint on the African continent and leadership in Africa. We are delighted that MTN has come on board with us to offer football fans this viewing opportunity".

With 380 English Premiership matches during the 2010-2011 season, there will be plenty of world class football on offer for the continent’s football fans, including MTN's over 100 million customers. "Our customers will be able to follow their favorite teams abroad while experiencing the excitement at home", said Botha. "We will offer football fans across Africa opportunities to interact with the players, the clubs and the matches through ticket promotions, fan parks, our www.mtnfootball.com website, exclusive content on MTN Play and more".

The 2010/2011 English Premier League season kicked off on Saturday, 14th August.

For students, the first prize is a full scholarship to a four-year college in the U.S., with all expenses paid and the publication of the literary work. The second place prize is 500,000 CFAS (about USD $1,000), and third is 300,000 CFAS (about USD $500) and publication of the novel. The first place adult winners will receive one million CFAS (about USD $2,000) prize, second place 500,000 CFAS ( about USD $1000) and third place 300,000 CFAS (about USD $500), also with publication of the work.

The National Library of Equatorial Guinea opened last year and was sponsored by the government. The library will lead other initiatives and contests to promote culture and education in Equatorial Guinea.

These programs will include contests in painting, story telling, short films, children's programs, the creation of a theatre company in Equatorial Guinea, the acquisition of mobile libraries to distribute texts and boost literacy and construction of newsstands for easier accessibility in all regions across the country.