The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu held a successful meeting with a delegation from the Former Footballers Initiative (FFI) in his office at the Provincial Secretariat, Namirembe in Kampala city.
The 9th Archbishop for the Church of Uganda called for increased funding in the sports sector to support retired players who are planning a national worship day on 1st March 2025 at Mengo Secondary School.
This worship day will also be used as a memorial mass for the deceased footballers, which will be followed by a match between former players and Members of Parliament.
Dr Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu preaching
Dr Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu preaching
The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu
The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu signs
Archbishop Kaziimba, a former footballer with Nakivubo Boys and Nsambya Football Club, commended FFI for empowering young footballers and supporting former players who have been forgotten by society.
These are our heroes; we must not forget them. I am very glad that FFI is encouraging these former players to re-engage with the public and supporting them in starting self-sustainable projects. I appeal to the government to allocate more resources to support the sports sector. These great men and women have sacrificed a lot and raised Uganda’s flag high. This should include athletes and other forms of sports. We need to nurture talent, build our national team, and support those who retire.
The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, The Archbishop of Church of Uganda
Some of the former footballer
Some of the former footballers
The delegation was led by John Baptist Ntensibe, a former player of Express FC (1972-75), Coffee FC (1975-79), and Uganda Cranes (1972-76).
Other members included Edward Baguma (Uganda Cranes, 1975-80), Kennedy Lubogo Mutatwala (Express FC, 1987-2001), Edward Nsubuga (Nsambya FC, 1987-1994), Luganda Kayonga Vincent (Kansanga Half London, 1993-2000).
Walusimbi Wooto, the Head of Communications at FFI, revealed that at the memorial service, they will launch a SACCO for retired footballers.
“Many of the retired players are now in bad shape after making a significant contribution to the country. They are suffering and need financial assistance. They can borrow money from the SACCO and start self-help projects,” Wooto said.
World-over the feat of retired sports, footballers per say remains uncertain and worries a lot.
Ideas as Former Footballer Initiative (FFI) are meant to bring these legends together to kill boredom, network, smile again and get involved in income generating projects.
Dr Samuel Kazimba Mugalu and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt.Hon. Thomas Tayebwa share a light moment during the recent Uganda Cranes match against Congo at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
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