Uganda’s oldest rugby club, Kampala Old Boys(KOBS) rugby club will head into the new season that kicks off later this month energised and rejuvenated after securing a shs95 million sponsorship package from KCB Bank Uganda.
The new partnership will also see the 60-year-old rugby club change its name to -KCB KOBS Rugby Club after the bank earned the club name and title rights at least for the next one year.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at Legends Rugby Grounds in Kampala, KCB Bank Uganda’s head of marketing and communications, Diana Komukama Ssempebwa, expressed optimism that the sponsorship is only the beginning of their involvement in rugby.
“I am pleased to announce that KCB Bank Uganda is committing shs95 million to KOBS Rugby Club as part of our support for the growth of the club and promotion of rugby talent among the youth in Uganda. This sponsorship will enable the club to effectively prepare, participate and win in competitive sports in the country and the region,” Ssempebwa said.
According to Ssempebwa, the new partnership will now see KCB Bank Uganda celebrate every victory with KOBS and stand firm with the club at the end of every local and international game.
“Last year, KCB Bank Uganda embraced a new brand promise; for people for better, as part of our commitment to deliver shared value to the people and communities we serve and whose lives we positively impact. What a better way to further that commitment than through supporting a sport that has garnered the support and love of Ugandans over the years?”
“KOBS Rugby Club is one of the most revered teams in the game. Let us strive to keep it that way. It might not always be smooth sailing but with every challenge comes equal lessons as with every opportunity. Let us embrace this partnership as a gateway to a sea of opportunities for us both.”
Ssempebwa noted that KCB Bank is determined to see KOBS return to its past glory.
“Our sponsorship is more than the money we have given. Ours is a commitment to take back KOBS to the top where it belongs.”
Godfrey Ssekajja, the KOBS head coach applauded the bank for the sponsorship.
“This partnership is more than business relationship for us, but also a big opportunity that marks a bond for us as a family. Thank you for believing in us and taking this step with us. We hope to deliver an experience better than your expectations.”
New lease of life
Tonny Luggya, the KOBS chairman described the shs95 million sponsorship as a new lease of life for the oldest rugby club in the land.
“With this sponsorship, we are looking forward to the good times coming back to KOBS. This is a new era that we are excited about. This partnership is a platform that will see us elevate our rugby levels. The lion is going to roar again and the kob will fly high,” Luggya said.
“We lost the league final on the last day but we want to correct that going forward. We have had dry spells as a club but the partnership is the fuel to turn things around.”
In the past, KCB Bank Uganda has sponsored the Pearl of Africa Rally, KCB Nkumba women’s volleyball team and the fourth edition of the Victoria Cup games .
