Miniseter Dr. Sam Mayanja left handing over the accolade to the surviving members of cranes squad of the 1978 AFCON
The Minister State for Land Dr.Sam Mayanja pledged to help the former footballers through their umbrella organization, Former Footballers’ Initiative (FFI) acquire land for development.
The Ministry made the pledge while presiding over the launch of the FFI Cooperative at Old Kampala SSS play ground which event attracted many former Footballers since 1956.
“ Public land with out a project can be accessible by the citizens, if you identify any in any part of the country i will help you to acquire it provided you follow the right channels.” Dr. Mayanja assure the FFI leaders.
The Initiative that was officially launched was a brain child of Pr. Paul Musisi who has served as the pioneer chairman for 5 years and after the launch he stepped down but said he will remain in the backyard to give advice for purposes of continuity of the initiative.
Dr. Mayanja gave them and advice to interest president Museveni in their initiative who he said will bail them out with the much need funds for development given the fact that they are now more organized than ever before after launching the cooperative.
Edgar Watson, FUFA Executive Officer (CEO) said that although the Federation has tried to tackle Footballers issues, it hasn’t reached where it should be because even the players haven’t been coming up with one voice.
“The Initiative is good because it will help us to always come up with one voice whenever we are pushing for our needs unlike in the past when we have been organising initiatives and others start fighting it.” Edgar said.
He further said that FUFA through the presidential initiatives, Former players are now benefiting in coaching courses where at least 50 have been trained and others have benefited in the medical insurance scheme.
Patrick Ntege the general manager of the national team teams, urged the former footballers to get organized and embrace the Pamoja AFCON because FUFA it has come with opportunities in form of jobs and business and he assured them that former footballers will be given a priority in terms of jobs.
Pastor Musisi said that this is a multipurpose Cooperative that will help to encounter the challenges faced by former Footballers interested of securing sustainable income generating projects and medical insurance.
Former outstanding national Footballers were also recognised and awarded with accolades which saw the likes of Kasigwa Baker the only surviving cranes squad of 1956 and 1962 AFON.
Pr. Paul Musisi in court and Patrick Ntege right talking to reporters at Old Kampala SSS play ground.
Others awarded were, former cranes custodian and 2016 Africa footballer of the year Denis Masinde Onyango, late Paul Hasule, Andrew Mukasa (Ffimbo), former FUFA President Dr. Lawrence for his outstanding contribution to the sport, and Charles Masembe first Ugandan to officiate the AFCON final match.
Meanwhile at the launch there was fundraising for the Cooperative and the minister gave 5 millions in the initiative, FUFA 5M and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson contributed 0.5m and 1m was also collected besides the cooperative funds to assist those who are currently sick.
Kasigwa Baker the 1956 cranes custodian who is the only surviving player of those who played bear footed while Uganda was playing against England
By George Bukenya.