Uganda Airlines signs MoU with Motorsport Federation to boost marketing

BY AMBROSE GAHENE

Uganda Airlines has entered into partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) where the national carrier will be the official airline of FMU members.

While unveiling the partnership at Uganda Airlines Offices in Kampala on September 25, Jennifer Bamuturaki, the acting Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, described the deal as a great partnership in line with the current and continued push for Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU).

“This partnership will increase mileage for Uganda Airlines with the large fan base and sportsmanship that comes with motorsport,” Bamuturaki said.

She said the partnership will mutually benefit Uganda Airlines and FMU as they jointly market destination Uganda.

“With this partnership, Uganda Airlines has positioned itself as the airline of choice for the motorsport fraternity,” she said, pointing out that the national carrier has also been given branding opportunities at every motorsport event in the country and abroad where FMU is participating.

“For the motorsport fraternity, they will benefit from a 15 percent discount on ticket fares for their drivers and bikers participating in international events in countries we fly to and sponsorship to participate in rallies abroad,” Bamuturaki added. She added that the airline is keen to grow and expand, especially with the easing of travel restrictions around the world.

She added that effective 4 October, Uganda Airlines will commence direct flights to Dubai using the Airbus A330 neo state of the art Aircraft recently added to the Airline’s Air Operator Certificate.

“This marks the start of international routes for the Airline with London, Guangzhou and others in the pipeline,” she said, adding that; with the many tons of cargo the Airbus can carry, they are confident that the FMU members will benefit greatly from this partnership.

FMU President, Dipu Ruparelia, said the partnership brings to Uganda Airlines a huge constituency of motorsport enthusiasts, businessmen and leisure travellers.

He said motorsport events in Uganda attract 30,000-50,000 spectators over the weekend in the countryside and on circuits, with another estimated 200,000-500,000 following on various social media platforms locally and internationally.

“An impact study of motorsports in Uganda reveals that we are a Shs4.5b sport every weekend we go out and have had a huge economic impact on the areas the sport visits in terms of accommodation, entertainment, hospitality and recreation, fuel and lubricants, insurance, taxes, food and beverages to mention but a few,” Ruparelia added.