In a stirring display of community spirit and dedication, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the patron of Mbale Heroes Football Club, has called upon the people of Mbale to rally behind their beloved team.
Speaking at a fundraising dinner held at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Friday night, Nandala emphasized the importance of collective support as the club embarks on a new chapter in the Startimes Premier League—a goal that has taken 17 years of relentless effort to achieve.
Nandala passionately urged the locals to contribute regularly to the club, drawing a parallel with his own experience of donating monthly to Leeds United, a renowned English football team.
“We want our own people to at least donate monthly to the club,” he implored. “I see deductions of 40 pounds from my credit card every month for Leeds United. It’s possible that we can have standing orders on our accounts. Let’s work out a method to see money on the accounts of Mbale Heroes.”
Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, Nandala encouraged the community to take ownership of the club’s future. “Let them accept, and we do it on our own,” he said, emphasizing that this is a critical moment for Mbale Heroes. “We have come because we don’t want to lose this field. Let’s fix these small things.”
Nandala also announced significant financial commitments to the club, including a pledge from the Nandala Foundation to contribute Shillings 1 million for every game, as well as providing monthly support for the players’ salaries.
In a show of solidarity, he revealed that the Foundation had already disbursed Shillings 50 million to Mbale city authorities for the refurbishment of Mbale City Stadium.
A highlight of the evening was the generous pledge of Shillings 100 million from the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among. Her contribution underscored the high level of support and belief in the potential of Mbale Heroes as they enter the premier league.
The fundraising dinner was a resounding success, raising at least Shillings 180 million in cash and pledges. Notable contributors included Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, Bugisu Cooperative Union, Centenary Bank, Stanbic Bank, and Mbale City Industrial Division legislator, Karim Masaba.
As the event drew to a close, Nandala left the attendees with a powerful message of accountability and unity. “We want to ask the leadership that whatever resources we have, let’s put it to good use. Let’s account for the money. As a patron, I will be available.”
