Hima Cement splashes Shs250m on Impis, membership renamed Hima Impis

David GOMBE

Hima Cement has unveiled a Shs250 million, two-year sponsorship deal for Impis Rugby Membership that can see the Makerere-based facet rebranded as Hima Impis.

The deal was unveiled at Impis’ non secular residence, the Graveyard in Makerere.

Beneath the partnership, Shs150 million will go on to the membership’s operations whereas the remaining Shs100 million can be invested in infrastructure, together with renovation of the membership pavilion and media activations.

The increase comes after a robust comeback season for Impis, who returned to Uganda’s top-flight rugby final season and shocked giants Heathens and Kobs.

Talking on the unveiling, Hima Cement Head of Advertising Philemon Mubiru mentioned the corporate was drawn by Impis’ vibrant following and development potential.

“Hima Cement is decided to assist Ugandan sport, notably Impis, as a result of it’s a membership with a vibrant fan base,” Mubiru mentioned.

“Contemplating that it has fairly quite a lot of college students, there’s nice optimism about what they’ll obtain after the good season that they had final yr. Curiously, that was their first season again within the high flight since relegation, however they took an honest variety of scalps, together with Heathens and Kobs.”

He mentioned the partnership is about giving again to communities the place Hima operates.

“We really feel it’s proper to at all times give again to the completely different communities wherein we function and in addition to organised golf equipment like Impis. We’re right here to revisit and reconnect with our longtime companions. That is topic to renewal each two years as a result of we consider sport on the ivory tower is the inspiration of no matter occurs on the sphere of play.”

Impis Vice Patron Phillip Katumba mentioned the deal is a large increase for one among Uganda’s oldest golf equipment.

“Impis is among the many oldest rugby golf equipment in Uganda and, over time, has constructed a big, various and passionate fan base consisting of present Makerere College college students, alumni, former gamers and plenty of others throughout the area,” Katumba mentioned.

“This sponsorship has strengthened our resolve, boosted our morale and created an setting the place rugby can thrive as a beacon of self-discipline, teamwork, resilience and collaboration.

“To the boys, that is greater than a sponsorship. It’s a reminder that their sweat, sacrifice and willpower are recognised and valued. To the broader Makerere group, it proves that rugby isn’t just a sport however a power that unites, uplifts and builds character.”

Uganda Rugby Union Secretary Basic Peter Odong mentioned the timing couldn’t be higher.

“This partnership comes at a time when Impis is experiencing a robust resurgence in efficiency inside Uganda Rugby,” Odong mentioned.

“With its wealthy and engaging historical past, the membership has remained an necessary improvement pathway for nurturing expertise, with gamers occurring to carry out on the highest degree on the native and world stage.”

He added: “Hima Cement’s slogan, ‘A part of You from the Begin’, speaks strongly to rugby. Each construction requires a robust basis. In the identical means, success is constructed on teamwork, resilience and self-discipline.”

“This improvement sends a message to the company world that rugby is open for enterprise, it’s rising and desires extra companions,” Odong concluded.

Hima Cement are additionally sponsors of eight-time Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC.