Following the recently renewed partnership between Airtel Uganda and the Buganda Kingdom, Owekitibwa Charles Peter Mayiga, The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom has praised Airtel saying it goes a long way beyond comparison with other companies.
Mayiga while speaking at the launch of the BIKA Games Tournament 2023, cited that Airtel beats all companies he has ever heard of or seen in Uganda in caring for and supporting the well -fare of its customers throughout different communities.
“I am yet to see any other company that can be compared to Airtel Uganda, one that can easily identify what affects its customers and quickly address them. In this case and specifically to Buganda Kingdom, Airtel clearly understands what His Majesty King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has at heart including promoting youth-led programs. And you know, the Kabaka is deeply rooted in our hearts and whatever he does, is clearly for the good of his people.”
While renewing its partnership with Buganda for more 3 years, Mayiga called upon Airtel to stretch its support to the Kingdom through sponsoring other activities beyond Masaza Cup tournament among others and of which include BIKA Games. And Airtel Tuesday May 9, 2023 heed to the call thus, offering its support to the tournament that is aimed at boosting talent among the youth in Buganda Kingdom.
Mayiga also appreciated His Majesty King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for promoting youth-led programs such as BIKA tournament, and agribusiness projects, as platforms for mobilizing the youth to meaningfully participate in the transformation of Buganda. He particularly thanked the Ministry of Sports and Leisure for leading the organization of the BIKA tournament.
“We thank partners like Airtel Uganda for heeding our call of boosting sports activities in the Kingdom and coming on board as sponsors of the 2023 BIKA Games. The games play a significant role in both personal development and social cohesion among the youth. These tournaments are a good platform for us to mobilize the youth to participate in socioeconomic change programs that foster handwork, savings culture, and positive behavior change.” Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga remarked.
Airtel Uganda- Buganda Kingdom partnership dates back to 2014, where the collaboration has seen the two entities implement transformative initiatives that have impacted the lives of people in Buganda and beyond. These include Africa’s biggest run, the annual Kabaka Birthday Run, the Masaza Cup Tournament, Eid Celebrations, among other activities that are strong platforms for engagement with the community and transformation of their lives.
The 3 months’ tournament will start on Monday May 15th, 2023 and is anticipated to attract over 1100 boys and 440 girls from 56 clans who will compete in football and netball games this year, with a fan base of more than 80,000 people who will witness the tournament.
Mr. Ali Balunywa, the Sales Director who represented the Managing Director at Airtel Uganda said, “Our existing partnership with Buganda Kingdom, and now the BIKA sponsorship present yet another opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to Transforming Lives through sports. We are intentional in investing in grassroot sporting activities that provide an avenue for identifying and developing talent for prominent national tournaments like the Masaza Cup, Uganda Premier League among others.”
The annual BIKA Games is a grassroots tournament that draws together 56 clans, including the royal clan, the Abalangira, that make up the Buganda totems. The tournament games shall be Football and Netball.
As part of their Transforming Lives agenda, Airtel has partnered with Insurance firms to extend affordable Micro Health Insurance cover to the informal sector. For as low as Shs1000 an Airtel Money customer can get health insurance cover.
