Uganda’s Futsal Super League clubs are facing an uncertain financial future after betting company betPawa ended its sponsorship of the sport, bringing to a close two seasons that transformed futsal’s visibility and professionalism in the country.
The announcement, confirmed at the start of the 2024/25 season, means the end of the company’s Locker Room Bonuses (LRB) — instant mobile money rewards that became a hallmark of the league’s competitive spirit.
From corporate boost to self-reliance
betPawa first entered Ugandan football in September 2023 with a Shs1.18 billion ($320,000) deal covering the FUFA Drum, Big League, and Futsal Super League. Although the gaming firm later withdrew from the FUFA Drum and Big League, it extended Shs334.5 million ($90,000) to futsal for the 2023/24 campaign, funding the league, the Futsal Uganda Cup, and the Super Cup.
The investment paid off. Futsal’s stature grew rapidly, and the Futsal Association of Uganda (FAU) was named Member Association of the Year (2024) at the MTN FUFA Awards — a milestone credited largely to betPawa’s backing.
But that momentum has now slowed. As the 2024/25 season kicked off, clubs were informed that betPawa would not renew its partnership.
“We didn’t expect them to stay forever. We shall miss the Locker Room Bonuses as they were a big motivation for the players,” said Ali Omarios, a director at Kisenyi Futsal Club. “That marks the plan to see that clubs organise their own funding.”
FAU preaches resilience amid funding gap
The LRB scheme had injected Shs167.5 million ($45,000) directly into players’ accounts last season, a model praised for boosting morale and transparency.
FAU Chairperson Hamza Jjunju acknowledged the setback but urged clubs to remain optimistic.
“LRB was filling a gap in club winning bonus budgets. All clubs sat, reviewed and drew independent winning bonuses for their teams. As FAU we shall keep growing within our means,” Jjunju said.
He revealed that a new league board has been formed to spearhead reforms and that FAU is developing a 2026–2030 strategic plan focusing on financial sustainability, improved governance, and expanded men’s and women’s competitions.
betPawa still active in Ugandan sports
While futsal clubs brace for austerity, betPawa continues to invest elsewhere in Uganda and continues their Uganda bet strategies. The company still holds a Shs2.6 billion ($700,000) three-year deal with the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), supporting national teams The Silverbacks and The Gazelles.
Regional analysts say betPawa’s gradual withdrawal from smaller sports like futsal could signal a strategic shift toward higher-visibility properties, similar to how betting sites in Kenya often pivot between grassroots partnerships and national sponsorships to manage rising tax and compliance costs.
What the numbers show
| Area | Previous Funding (2023/24) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Locker Room Bonuses | Shs167.5m ($45,000) | Direct player payouts |
| Futsal Super League operations | Shs334.5m ($90,000) | Covered match logistics, prizes |
| FAU performance | Earned FUFA Member Association of the Year (2024) | Boosted credibility |
Without corporate backing, clubs now face reduced budgets — many limited to reimbursing transport costs for players. The absence of LRBs may also affect competitiveness, though FAU believes innovation and internal revenue generation will fill the gap over time.
