Uganda Airlines Acting CEO, Jennifer Bamuturaki (L) handing over a gift to the U20 Crested Cranes Captain this morning at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo. Looking on (C) is FUFA 3rd Vice President Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi
A team from the Uganda Airlines on Wednesday morning visited a training camp of the Under (U) 20 ladies team, the Crested Cranes at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
Headed by the Uganda Airlines Ag. Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki, the team delivered training kits, drinks and some bites for the team that is getting ready to face Ghana at the St. Mary’s Stadium on January 22, 2022 ahead of the Women U20 World Cup tourney.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Business Focus, Bamuturaki said the Airline and the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) “have a great partnership”
“FUFA flies Uganda Airline to wherever we fly. So, by reciprocity, we also support them in their games,” Bamuturaki said.
She said the partnership with FUFA is not about money.
“The issue is not money. As an airline, we are committed to sports. This is not the first team we are involved with. We are involved with the She Cranes, the basketball team… We are committed to women (girls). There is a lot that we can do other than supporting them here. It can be counselling that they require and nurturing them to see that we can work corporately with them. The support that we offer as an airline. Even working; offering them internship opportunities. It is beyond just supporting them here. When they finish school, our plan is to also offer internship and also interest them in working with the airline because we are growing,” Bamuturaki
According to Bamuturaki, “the greater picture is to have them have gainful and meaningful employment when they are older.”
“How can we nurture and guide them as they grow? You see they are under 20. There are a lot of challenges girls face as they grow up in our communities. That’s what we are committed to. The ladies in the airline will partner with them. Coaching them. Nurturing them in the life aspect, not necessarily football,” Bamuturaki said.
The head coach of the team, Khalifa Ayub described the partnership as marriage, commending the Airline for the good gesture.
Speaking at the same event/visit, FUFA 3rd Vice President Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi said football is now the way to go.
“We are taking football as a change agent. A vehicle for economic development and unity,” Nakiwala said.
