The administration at Uganda Premier League club SC Vipers’ desperate scramble to fill their empty seats during match days like local soccer giants Express FC has been well documented.
But some commentators were quick to point out that revered comedian Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga’s appointment as Vipers’ Ambassador with the purpose of promoting its brand wasn’t perfect either.
For starters, the state minister for youth and children affairs, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi’s arrival at Express last month led to the instilling of singer cum activist Bobi Wine as Express brand manager in what was termed as ‘taking the game to the fans’.
Comic Mukiibi certainly has his concentration issues. He seems to be everywhere in showbiz and surfaces in our faces all the time. He has been there; done everything in theatre, radio as well as the big screen, leaving the public exasperated.
Despite being entirely unknown in Uganda’s sports fraternity, Mukiibi is a media guru. As an actor, comedian, radio presenter as well as emcee, he is one of the most recognizable figures in the entertainment industry, an idol to thousands on top of being an inspiration to those that strive to make a name in showbiz.
But after watching thousands of Express fans follow Bobi Wine to Wankulukuku Stadium when the club on July 1st organized a thanksgiving party, Vipers owner Lawrence Mulindwa felt that the turnout for his club’s games next season at a bigger Nakivubo would turn out a whole lot worse – and now his suspicions are being confirmed by Mukiibi’s signing.
It’s undeniable that there has been a colossal drop in attendance between 2012 when the club was still called Bunamwaya and 2016 when it dumped Buikwe for downtown Kampala.
Looks like the reigning Uganda Cup kings’ inaugural executive meeting at Jevine Hotel Wakaliga was the perfect time to make the announcement.
“I want to take this opportunity to announce Abbey Mukiibi as our brand Ambassador. He will be tasked with promoting the club brand and maintaining its image from now on,” said Mulindwa a former Fufa president.
In the same meeting, all new executive members were officially given their contracts with their duties specified .They will be expected to spearhead and fulfil the club’s 6 point program as declared by Mulindwa recently.
Vipers will take on rivals KCCA FC in the Uganda Super Cup this Sunday 14th at Wankulukuku kick off 4:00pm in a bid to defend the honours they won last year against SC Villa 5-3 in penalties after a barren draw.
