Gen. Mugira Champions Buy Uganda, Build Uganda as OPPEIN Partners with NEC FC

In a colorful ceremony held at the CHINT/OPPEIN Headquarters in Kampala, National Enterprise Corporation Football Club (NEC FC) ushered in a new chapter in its remarkable journey with the official unveiling of their new team jersey, proudly sponsored by OPPEIN.

The event, graced by Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and Patron NEC FC, marked a milestone partnership between NEC FC and OPPEIN — one of Uganda’s leading manufacturers of furniture, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and home solutions.

Also in attendance were Ms. Shi Jiane Namutebi, Managing Director of OPPEIN Uganda, and Crystal Newman, OPPEIN’s Brand Ambassador, alongside NEC FC officials, players, and football enthusiasts who turned up to witness the historic unveiling.

Gen. Mugira Commends OPPEIN’s Investment in Uganda

While addressing guests, Lt. Gen. Mugira expressed heartfelt appreciation to OPPEIN for extending the invitation and for their decision to invest significantly in Uganda’s economy. He attributed OPPEIN’s success and expansion to the country’s stable political environment and secure investment climate, which have continued to attract both local and foreign investors.

“I commend OPPEIN for investing in Uganda. The peace, stability, and security that our country enjoys today make it one of the best investment destinations in Africa,” Gen. Mugira remarked.

Championing the “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” Initiative

During a guided tour of OPPEIN’s modern production facilities, Gen. Mugira lauded the company for its commitment to manufacturing high-quality products locally, noting that such initiatives align perfectly with the government’s ‘Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU)’ policy.

He emphasized that promoting locally made products not only creates jobs but also strengthens Uganda’s industrial base and reduces reliance on imports.

“We must all support the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda agenda. Companies like OPPEIN are demonstrating that we have the capacity to produce world-class products right here at home,” he added.

A Perfect Match: OPPEIN and NEC FC

Speaking about the new partnership, Gen. Mugira praised OPPEIN for choosing NEC FC as a brand partner, describing the club as one of Uganda’s fastest-growing and most ambitious football teams.

“I think you picked the right football club to associate with. NEC FC is not an old club, but within a short time, it has been able to move from the lowest level to the national level and now to the continental level,” Gen. Mugira stated.

He further expressed optimism that the collaboration will not only enhance NEC FC’s brand visibility but also strengthen the connection between corporate investment and sports development in Uganda.

OPPEIN’s Commitment to Local Development

On her part, Ms. Shi Jiane Namutebi, Managing Director of OPPEIN Uganda, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to contributing to community development through partnerships that empower youth and promote sports.

She noted that OPPEIN’s decision to sponsor NEC FC stems from the shared values of discipline, innovation, and excellence that both entities embody.

“Football unites communities and inspires the young generation. We believe that through this partnership, we can motivate young people to dream big and achieve great things,” Ms. Namutebi said.

NEC FC’s Rising Star

NEC FC’s rapid rise from the lower divisions to the Uganda Premier League and participation in continental competitions has positioned the club as one of Uganda’s most promising football institutions.

Under the stewardship of Gen. Mugira and the NEC leadership, the club continues to embody values of hard work, discipline, and ambition, reflecting the spirit of its mother organization — the National Enterprise Corporation, the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The unveiling of the OPPEIN-sponsored jersey marks more than just a commercial partnership — it represents a fusion of sport, industry, and national pride. With NEC FC’s growing influence on the football scene and OPPEIN’s expanding industrial footprint, the collaboration stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving Uganda’s progress both on and off the pitch.