Uganda’s oldest football club – Express Football Club a.k.a “Square pass Mukwano Gw’abangi” has experienced a turn-around since city lawyer Kiryowa Kiwananuka took over as club president earlier this year.
The just announced sponsorship deal by Global betting firm Betway is just an example of the various miles stones since Kiryowa who has an intimate attachment to the club took over after the club had experienced a low in motivation, performance on the pitch among another aspects in footballing.
Betway has forked Shs 400M to the Express FC’s financial coffers as the main shirt sponsors for the season 2018/19.
The sponsorship pact was officially unveiled to the public at Katonga Hall, Hotel Africana in the heart of Kampala on Tuesday, 6th November 2018.
At a function held at Serena hotel on Tuesday, the Red Eagles chairman and lawyer Kiryowa said the sponsorship deal will help revive the team which narrowly survived relegation last season.
“This deal will go a long way in ensuring the footballing success of the club. With Betway’s continued support, we look forward to Express FC’s footballing glory,” Kiwanuka said.
He assured the new sponsors of a product that will ensure value for their money.
The lawyer explained that as he promised when he took over the club leadership, he has now delivered on bringing partners to the Wankulukuku based team.
So far, Kiryowa has championed the club partnership with Equity bank, Buganda Land Board and Uganda Breweries as sponsors.
After surviving the relegation scare, the club’s on pitch performance has tremendously improved this season, collecting 11 points and sitting in the 6th position in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Kiryowa family and Express FC
After taking over, KK, as he is fondly called by his peers promised to rejuvenate the club spirit which he calls home.
“I was born in Express. I have always known Express as a family. I intend to build this bond again,” said Mr Kiryowa then.
Kiwanuka is a grandson of the club’s founder member Jolly Joe Kiwanuka and a son of former chairman Jimmy Mugambe Kiwanuka.
KK has previously served the sports fraternity the Uganda Golf Union president from 2014-15.