There is a common adage that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. And for the Uganda Cranes, the journey to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially starts today after the launch of the Cranes Kabbo campaign.
On Friday, FUFA in conjunction with Nile Breweries through its flagship brand Nile Special who are the official Beer partner of the Uganda Cranes launched the aforementioned drive aimed at garnering funds that will facilitate the National Team in achieving the dream of being at the biggest football extravaganza.
John Paul Ssemakula, the Connections Manager at Nile Special believes this is an important campaign that will see Ugandans feel proud of supporting their own at such a stage.
“As Nile Special we feel proud to associate with FUFA and the Uganda Cranes in bid to realize the dream of playing at the biggest stage of football. We believe this is a dream that can be achieved through collective effort and it is the reason why we are here today to launch the Cranes Kabbo campaign,” he said.
Ssemakula explained that the move will help in mobilising funds towards the Uganda Cranes as they embark on the qualification phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“In Africa and Uganda particulary, whenever we have a cause whether happy or sad, we come together and contribute, put our hands together in a collection pot and it is for this reason that we called it the Cranes Kabbo campaign. The 2022 World Cup start this weekend but unfortunately, Uganda is not represented but we believe the next edition, four years from now is achievable and with such an intervention, the dream is a reality.” He added.
About the Cranes Kabbo Campaign
- For every Nile Special bottle purchased, USH 50 will go towards supporting the campaign.
- The campaign officially starts today (Friday, 18th November 2022)
- During the course of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Nile Special will hold activations across several towns in Uganda.
- The target is to collect at least USH 400M but this can stretch even beyond this target.
Former Uganda Cranes captain and goalkeeper Denis Onyango was named the brand ambassador of the campaign.
Onyango believes with this support, it is easy to achieve the dream and he has hope in the current crop of players.
“I’m proud to always associate with the National Team even after my role as an active player. I feel proud to be part of this noble cause of giving a push to the Uganda Cranes in achieving the dream of qualifying to the World Cup. Nile Special was with us in qualifying to Africa Cup of Nations twice and I believe this lucky charm will continue with this new target.” He said.
Uganda Cranes Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho believes with the expansion of the World Cup in 2026 from 32 to 48 teams, Uganda stands a great opportunity of qualifying.
“The 2026 edition is a great opportunity for us to be at World Cup. Africa will have nine direct entries with the tenth being a playoff. I believe Uganda has the ability to be part of this number and definitely with such support from Nile Special, this dream will become a reality.” He said.
Rogers Byamukama, the FUFA Executive Committee Member who heads the Marketing and Communications Committee represented FUFA President at the launch expressed gratitude given the long term focus of the campaign.
“As FUFA we are proud to associate with Nile Special as a brand. Definitely, they have been with us for a long time and this campaign points to our strategy and vision of being the number footballing Nation in Africa on and off the pitch. Being at the World Cup requires big investment and this is a perfect start to realizing the 2026 FIFA World Cup Dream,” stated Byamukama.
“The campaign will spread out to the fans to take part and different interventions will be made from financial support towards players in terms of bonuses, technical support to the coaches and FUFA in terms of logistics.” He added.
FUFA Executive Committee Member, Rogers Mulindwa gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Federation and called upon every Ugandan to embrace this cause.
“We know there are obstacles along way that we must jump in our journey to the World but we are proud that Nile Special has given us a head start. As FUFA, we are ready to make this dream a reality and we call upon every Ugandan to embrace this good cause.”
At the end of the event, several journalists won goodies from Nile Special.