Archbishop Kaziimba Meets Former National Footballers, Calls for Sports Financing
The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has today held a meeting with a delegation from the Former Footballers Initiative (FFI) and called for increased funding in the sports sector to support retired players.
In a meeting held at his office at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, Archbishop Kaziimba, a former footballer with Nakivubo Boys and Nsambya FC, 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," Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He added, "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."
Archbishop Kaziimba said, the former players have scheduled a memorial service for departed footballers on 1st March 2025 at Mengo Senior School, which will be followed by a match between former players and Members of Parliament.
The delegation was led by Ntensibe John Baptist, a former player of Express FC (1972-75), Coffee FC (1975-79), and Uganda Cranes (1972-76).
Other members included Baguma Edward (Uganda Cranes, 1975-80), Kennedy Lubogo Mutatwala (Express FC, 1987-2001), Nsubuga Edward (Nsambya FC, 1987-1994), Luganda Kayonga Vincent (Kansanga Half London, 1993-2000), and Walusimbi Wooto (Express FC, 1994-96).
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.
