The much anticipated Astra Corporate Sports Network (CSN) 2025 season is set to return, with exciting new developments and a renewed commitment to promoting fitness, team building, and corporate bonding.
Kicking off on Sunday, February 23, the opening event will take place at the Luzira Prison Grounds
This year, 40 companies have already confirmed their participation, with more expected as the registration period for new entrants closes at the end of the month. In the 2024 edition, 34 companies participated, with Centenary Bank bagging the overall award. Several other companies won individual accolades in different disciplines.
The 2025 season promises to be one of the most dynamic yet, with a blend of popular sports and new additions to attract a wider audience.
During a press conference held at Hotel Africana’s Rwizi Hall on Monday, Charles Ssempagala, General Manager of Astra Corporate Sports Network, said this season’s opening will be centred on football, setting the tone for the rest of the competition.
Football, alongside woodball, netball, basketball, athletics, tug of war, fun games, swimming, billiards (pool), and volleyball, will once again be featured.
Charles Sempagala, the General Manager Astra Corporate Sports Network, addresses the press conference. File Photo
Darts has been introduced as a new discipline this year, targeting CEOs and top managers, adding a competitive yet relaxed atmosphere to the games.
This year, the CSN organisers have focused on choosing venues that not only cater to large crowds but also ensure the safety and comfort of participants.
The competition will take place across some of Uganda’s most iconic sporting venues, including Mandela National Stadium Namboole, Luzira Prison Grounds, Makerere University Business School, Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, Hotel Africana (Swimming & Pool), and Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.
CSN 2025 has seen an impressive line-up of companies sign up, with Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Absa Bank, Equity Bank, Autochek Uganda, Kyambogo University, Movit and many others showing strong interest.
Notably, Centenary Bank, the winners of the previous season, have once again entered the competition, setting the bar high for the upcoming season.
Winners at the 2024 edition pose with their trophy at the dinner. File photo
The full list of participating companies includes industry leaders such as DHL International, Uganda Breweries Ltd, Stanbic Bank, Quality Chemicals Industries, and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, among many others.
In a bid to maintain a high level of discipline and integrity, CSN has also reinforced its zero-tolerance policy toward the use of mercenaries.
As emphasised by Mr. Simeon Kawuma Bulezi, CSN’s Chairman, the network insists that only verified employees from the participating companies can compete.
Companies are encouraged to submit their official participants’ lists, which must be endorsed by the HR departments to ensure authenticity.
This year, CSN is introducing new digital tools to enhance the experience for all involved.
The organisation has launched a website (www.csn.ug) and an app, designed to share real-time updates, results, and details about participants.
The website will also house participant biodata and provide a platform for timely communication among all stakeholders.
In addition to the sporting aspect, CSN continues to emphasise its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
After consultations with the board and representative managers, a series of CSR initiatives will be rolled out to give back to the community, aligning with the values of teamwork, social responsibility, and healthy living.
As the 2025 season draws near, expectations are high with a growing roster of companies and the introduction of innovative sports and partnerships, the Astra Corporate Sports Network is poised to provide a competitive, engaging, and collaborative environment for employees to foster fitness, camaraderie, and teamwork outside the office.
