Uganda’s music icon and legend Joseph “Jose Chameleon” Mayanja chorused aloud in one of his numerous hit songs “…Basiima Ogenze” loosely translated “many will appreciate as you have long departed”.
The hoarse-voiced pencil-like-sized musician conveyed a deep lying message therein via his magical lyrics that have timeless sold widely across the divide in
Appreciation comes from the heart and it is one act that is never forced, but rather, respected to the dot.
For the numerous deeds that Hon. Patrick Isiagi Opolot has executed over the years in the different spheres of life as sports, education, music, business, hospitality industry, politics, finance and the general service delivery, he stands aloft and therefore deserves wild applause and appreciation.
Hon Patrick Isiagi Opolot with a speech
Hon Patrick Opolot Isiagi
As a preamble to many, Hon. Isiagi is a loving father, grand-father, brother, uncle, comrade, compatriot, business associate, leader, a shrewd administrator, educationalist and an investor whose sheer love for sports and music is simply unrivalled.
In the football circles, he is fondly referred to as Zagallo (after the famous football professor who coached the Brazil national team), Honorable, Papa, Muzeeii and other tags that he embraces with open arms.
For his leadership credentials, he is the current member of parliament for Kachumbala county in Bukedea district and chairs one of the most delicate and vital committees in Parliament, that of finance.
He is a retired civil servant who previously worked in various public offices to satisfaction before he made the bold decision to join politics.
State minister for sports. Hon Peter Ogwang is greeted by Hon Patrick Isiagi in Morocco (right) during the ISF tournament | Credit: David Isabirye
The area of jurisdiction (Kachumbala) has 19 parishes and 78 villages where he has improved service delivery with different youth and women empowerment programs, affluent road system, water supply (bore holes) and electricity.
As I pen this open letter to the humble and diligent gentleman aforementioned, it is a couple of weeks after the 2024 FEASSSA games in Uganda which were co-hosted by Hon. Isiagi’s Amus College School and Bukedea Comprehensive School.
At Amus College School, he put in place a couple of sports amenities ranging from football grounds (five natural playfields and one astro-turf stadium) as well as all-weather courts that can accommodate many other ball games as basketball, handball and netball.
A section of fans watching the 2024 FEASSA Games at Amus stadium | Credit: David Isabirye
The all-weather basketball courts at Amus College school. | Credit: David Isabirye
A lay up during St Mary’s Kitende girls’ duel with Orkeeswa (Kenya) at the Amus College basketball courts | Credit: David Isabirye
A couple of years ago when I first met Hon. Isiagi during the mighty Nkurumah Hall reunion at Makerere University, he harbored such dreams of owning great sports facilities.
I recall vividly during his days at Entebbe Health Football Club, Kampala City Council (now KCCA) and as General Secretary of the FUFA Normalization committee, he always preached “Akawoowo football” (sweet romantic free flowing football).
This is the same philosophy that he harbours from the bottom of his heart. “For Heaven’s sake, how can you play Kawoowo on Potatoe fields (Biikata bya lumonde)” he normally jokes always emphasizing well-maintained fields to allow good play.
Papa, Honorable, Muzeei, Zagallo is a gentleman of pure substance. His humility levels can only be equated to the departed Mary Teresa of India. He respects everyone regardless of age, influence and social status.
Such is a code that many of us need to scan and replicate in normal life. A bulk of the people I can vividly attest appreciate.
You are an icon of leaders. Explemary, aggressive in nature and yes, a lover of Kawoowo football and music.
Hon Patrick Isiagi (middle), flanked by Justus Mugisha (right), the president of FEASSA and USSSA.
L-R: Justus Mugisha (USSSA president), Patrick Okanya and Hon. Patrick Opolot Isiagi (MP Kachumbala) share a light moment during the Bukedea district football final
Hon. Patrick Isiagi Opolot and Hassan Kirunda Kakaire (right) share a light moment during the Kataka and Proline game at Lugogo Credit: John Batanudde
As the entire East Africa came to the mighty Bukedea district, we ought to throw the flowers to you for your visionary leadership, passion for sports, music, general development and welfare of the Wanaichi.
You are the perfect parent that this country yearns for; cutting across either gender, religions, tribes and yes; political affiliations.
You have openly welcomed all across the board where yellow (NRM), Red (People Power), Blue (FDC) or otherwise.
You have empowered many; including your biological and foster children (yours truly inclusive).
You are the magical code that will easily break the barricades of malice, hatred, rumour-mongering, idling, loathe and all other ill mannerisms that deter the gradual progress of humanity.
Ivan Eyam gets a plaque from Hon. atrick Isiagi Opolot during the FUFA Drum competition
Honorable, you are a perfect counsellor who reserves a lot of time from your hitherto busy schedule to guide, advise and preach in the same vein.
Thanks for the state-of-art sports facilities at Amus College School. Thank you for the special love towards sports in general, music and the general well-being of people, thank you, thank you, Eyalama.
May God the Almighty richly bless your life and protect you we celebrate Uganda’s 62nd Independence celebrations.
Eyalama!
The post UGANDA AT 62: Open letter to Muzeei Papa Hon. Patrick Isiagi Opolot appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
