Hima Cement has renewed its long-standing association with Makerere-based Impis Rugby Club, committing Shs250 million to the club in a two-year sponsorship that will see the side compete as Hima Impis.
The partnership marks a return to the club’s “Graveyard” home, where Hima Cement first backed Impis in 2002 with a Shs10 million sponsorship.
The relationship continued to grow until 2007, and the latest agreement revives a partnership that has spanned more than two decades.
Of the Shs250 million package, Shs150 million will be provided as direct financial support, while Shs100 million will be channelled into infrastructure development and media activations.
The infrastructure component will include renovation of the Impis pavilion, giving the club’s historic home a facelift as it seeks to consolidate its return to Uganda’s top-flight rugby competition.
Hima Cement Head of Marketing Philemon Mubiru said the decision to return to Impis was influenced by the club’s strong following, its connection to Makerere University and the progress demonstrated since returning to the top flight.
“Hima Cement is determined to support Ugandan sport, particularly Impis, because it is a club with a vibrant fan base,” Mubiru said.
Impis made an immediate impression after returning to the top flight last season, registering notable victories over established opponents including Heathens and Kobs.
Mubiru said the club’s student base and potential for further growth made the partnership particularly attractive.
“Considering that it has quite a number of students, there is great optimism about what they can achieve after the great season they had last year.
Interestingly, that was their first season back in the top flight since relegation, but they took a decent number of scalps, including Heathens and Kobs.”
He added that the sponsorship reflects Hima Cement’s wider commitment to supporting communities and institutions connected to its operations.
“We feel it is right to always give back to the different communities in which we operate and also to organised clubs like Impis,” Mubiru said.
For Impis, the renewed partnership provides both financial backing and institutional confidence as the club seeks to build on its resurgence.
Vice patron Phillip Katumba described the agreement as a significant boost for one of Uganda’s oldest rugby clubs, whose support base extends beyond the current Makerere student community.
“Impis is among the oldest rugby clubs in Uganda and, over time, has built a large, diverse and passionate fan base consisting of current Makerere University students, alumni, former players and many others across the region,” Katumba said.
He said the partnership would help create a stronger environment for the club to develop on and off the pitch.
“This sponsorship has strengthened our resolve, boosted our morale and created an environment where rugby can thrive as a beacon of discipline, teamwork, resilience and collaboration,” he said.
Katumba also described the deal as recognition of the commitment of Impis players and the wider Makerere community.
“To the boys, this is more than a sponsorship.
It is a reminder that their sweat, sacrifice and determination are recognised and valued.
To the wider Makerere community, it proves that rugby is not just a game but a force that unites, uplifts and builds character.”
Uganda Rugby Union secretary general Peter Odong welcomed the partnership, describing Impis as an important component of the country’s rugby development structure.
“With its rich and fascinating history, the club has remained an important development pathway for nurturing talent, with players going on to perform at the highest level on the local and global stage,” Odong said.
He said Hima Cement’s return represented confidence in the club’s leadership and technical structures.
“Hima Cement’s slogan, ‘Part of You from the Start’, speaks strongly to rugby. Every structure requires a strong foundation.
In the same way, success is built on teamwork, resilience and discipline,” he said.
Odong pledged the federation’s support for the partnership while calling on more companies to invest in rugby.
“This development sends a message to the corporate world that rugby is open for business, it is growing and needs more partners,” he said.
The two-year agreement gives Impis an opportunity to convert last season’s competitive revival into a sustained presence at the top level, while Hima Cement renews a relationship that helped establish its footprint in Ugandan rugby more than 20 years ago.
