Multi billion international telecom giants MTN Uganda announced the return to national teams' football as they entered into a long-term partnership with the Federation of Uganda Football Association(s) to become the main sponsor for the Football National Teams.

The good news was announced to the general public on Wednesday 18th. January. 2023 at a watch party organized to cheer the Uganda Cranes home-based players in the 2022 CHAN Championship in Algeria, at Serena Hotel.

The deal worth 19 billion Ugandan Shillings will see MTN take on the Uganda Cranes alongside the Crested Cranes (Women’s National Team) and 6 other FUFA properties as the main sponsor for a period of four years.

MTN last occupied this status in 2013.

"I am excited on behalf of MTN Uganda to officially announce that we are bringing back the game to Ugandans," said
Sylvia Mulinge, C.E.O of MTN Uganda. 

"As MTN Uganda we are giving away Ug. Shs. 19 billion towards sponsorship for the Federation of Uganda Football Associations programs.

"This sponsorship deal also includes support to the Crested Cranes, that is the national women’s team. This was a key focus for us while negotiating this partnership. It complements the effort of the government and society in general in ensuring equal opportunities for all.

“We’re bringing back the game to Ugandans, who are the most passionate fans of our football.

"Let's go Uganda Cranes," she added

Speaking for FUFA, President Moses Magogo said they are looking forward to reaping great from this partnership.

"We are excited and very much looking forward to our partnership with MTN. Their enthusiasm for Ugandan football and what we stand for has been impressive. I am confident that together with MTN we can enjoy further success both on and off the field,” said Moses Magogo, President of Federation Of Uganda Football Association.

"Thank you MTN for the great support. This sponsorship package will go a long way in addressing the multiple challenges faced by the federation.

"It will also push the country towards its ambition of qualifying for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and 2026 FIFA World Cup among other targeted milestones," Magogo added.

As the main person behind the deal, 
Somdev Sen, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer said that MTN is looking at even doing more for football.

"MTN Uganda has enthusiastically supported Uganda’s football over the years. Together with FUFA and other stakeholders, we have registered so many wins and with them, great memories," Somdev Sen, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer.

"It is therefore exciting to have this partnership and our game back with our passionate fans. We look forward to doing even more together," Somdev Sen added.

With MTN, the Cranes had gained a widespread popularity, attention and following from the Ugandans and even beyond.

It is a very big "welcome back" for the telecom giants who during their days with the Cranes produced an exhilarating stadium atmosphere which was blended with pre-match rituals of game promotion, fans' involvement and showcasing of remarkable strong support and stadium bonding between the team and the 12th man in the stands.

Story by Joseph Mary Ssempiira; Writer www.sportznow.ug