Africa-Press – Uganda. The SMACK Pirates Association, in partnership with the Bushmen Class and Mama Tulia Ministries, has launched a joint activation ahead of World Prematurity Day, to be commemorated during SMACK League Match Day 5 on Sunday, at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) grounds in Kansanga.
The initiative was announced during a press conference held on Thursday at Zimbali Bistro & Lounge in Kampala.
The gathering brought together league officials, alumni, sponsors and partners united by a shared cause: raising awareness and support for preterm babies and their families.
Addressing the press, Dr Ronald Anyase, Chairman of the SMACK Pirates Association, emphasised the purpose behind the collaboration.
He described the Pirates as a community “defined by purpose, friendship and action,” noting that the cause aligns with their mission to contribute positively to society.
He added that the association has an ongoing memorandum of understanding with Mama Tulia Ministries and intends to support the organisation for over a year.
“We are committed to using our platform and network to raise awareness, mobilise support, and contribute meaningfully to the care of preterm babies,” he said.
SMACK League Chief Finance Officer, Elvis Lukeera, expressed the league’s full backing for the activation.
“The League has always had initiatives to support different corporate social responsibilities that we have taken on. And this year, thanks to the Pirates class and the Bushmen, they have come up with a very great initiative in this month of November to celebrate and to commemorate the premature death and to also support the societies in Uganda that are working with the premature,” Lukeera said.
He encouraged alumni across all league teams and cohorts to participate, noting that the league is now in its eighth season and continues to offer sports, CSR activities and community engagement at IUEA every fortnight.
Mama Tulia Ministries founder, Isabella Muhindi, shared her personal journey with prematurity and the inspiration behind her organisation.
“I had preterm babies on two occasions. In 2014, I had a 26 week person. Then in 2016, I had a 33 week person and survived. So after this, it’s when I saw that there is a need to help my fellow preemie mothers,” Muhindi said.
She highlighted the challenges faced by young mothers, including stigma and abandonment, and emphasised the need to involve more men in antenatal care and the emotional journey of preterm birth.
“We need men to help their wives starting from the antenatal. Because that is all where it started.”
Representing Zimbali Bistro & Lounge, one of the event partners, Rosette reiterated the establishment’s support.
“We are glad to be part of the partners and Zimbabwe, we are going to be one of the donors in regards to catering services.” she said.
The Pirates also recognised member-owned companies whose contributions they say continue to fuel their initiatives, including Hotel Zawadi Adjumani, Events Ltd, DonSwift, Mfeyti, Timeout Leisure Park, Ridelink, Bankayo, Amugoli Contractors, Keredo Electricals and Bak Mart.
As part of the World Prematurity Day activation, fans and teams have been encouraged to attend Match Day 5 wearing purple, the global colour symbolising awareness for prematurity.
The Pirates also announced ongoing fundraising campaigns, including a raffle draw, to further support preterm babies and their families.
According to Vincent Nsereko, a member of the Pirates class, the activation underscores the spirit of community, brotherhood and social responsibility that the SMACK League continues to champion beyond the football pitch.
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