Pay TV company StarTimes have unveiled a Shs 28.1 billion (US$7,240,000) deal, to air the Uganda Premier League and the FUFA Big League for ten years.
The Chinese company announced their sponsorship on Thursday at Africana Hotel.
“We took the decision to give back to the people of Uganda through football because of their passion for the game. It touches a lot of people from the grassroots. It is our way of thanking the public for supporting our business and making us the leading pay television with 70% market (1.3 subscribers) share after a short period of 8 years,” said the StarTimes Chief Executive Officer, Andy Wang.
Aldrine Nsubuga, the Vice President in-charge of branding and marketing said they are delighted to sign this partnership which will help grow Ugandan football and also StarTimes.
“This is humbling. The enabling environment that FUFA has created by improving the image of local football and setting in place visible systems and structures is paying off by attracting more sponsors,” said Eng. Moses Magogo, the Uganda FA President. He added that the break down for teams will be announced later.
Arinaitwe Rugyendo, the Uganda Premier League (UPL) Board Chairman thanked StarTimes for coming on board to support Ugandan football. “With StarTimes we are not worried because they are a very big brand that has the market share in Uganda today,” he added.
StarTimes have been sponsoring KCCA FC and SC Villa in the past. StarTimes stretches over 38 African countries and six Asian countries.