President Museveni has commended Ugandan sportsmen and women for their contribution towards the development of the nation.
For long, Ugandan media has reported about the miserable life being lived by retired Ugandan sportsmen with very little or no recognition from Government.
The most recent one was the passing away of former Uganda Cranes captain and Coach James Kirunda who died on 25th May 2020.
Kirunda, born in 1950 played for KCCA FC, SC Villa, Express FC, played for the national team, the Uganda Cranes, participated in 5 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaigns, captained and later coached the national team.
Despite his contribution to the nation, Kirunda received no recognition from Government and lived a miserable life by the time of his death in May this year which sparked public outcry.
President Museveni on Tuesday revealed why he didn’t know about Kirunda despite his contribution to the country and tasked the Ministry of Education and Sports to compile for him all the names of legendary Ugandan sportsmen for a token of appreciation.
Those who may have died, Museveni said their families will receive their benefits.
“I actually never heard of Kirunda until when he died. Why? It is because for the 16 years, 1971 to 1986, we the freedom fighters were cut off and were not concentrating in the pleasure and leisure activities that were going on in Uganda.
I ask the Ministry of Education to compile for me all the exemplary Ugandan sports partners at African continental level, the Commonwealth or the Olympics since 1954 when Etolu, the high jumper represented Uganda at the Perth Commonwealth games in Australia. I remember his picture very well. Anybody that won gold, silver or bronze medal should be rewarded whether alive or dead. If dead, the family can benefit,” said Museveni.
Covid-19 Pandemic
On the issue of the current COVID-19 crisis, Museveni called on Ugandans to maintain discipline as Uganda endeavours to discover a vaccine.
“Maintain your discipline. We are working on 3 areas of the vaccine development, diagnostic and antiviral treatment. That is where the long term answer is. The present recoveries from COVID-19 are on account of bodies of the victims defeating the disease assisted by doctors or just by their own immunity. We want to kill the virus directly,” he said
Museveni said this on a day when city arcade traders vowed to defy continued arcade imposed by Government in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The protest by arcade traders left many in police cells.
However, after the meeting with Ministers of Security Gen Elly Tumwine, Minister for Kampala Betty Amongi and Minister of Trade Industry and Cooperatives Amelia Kyambadde, the Government allowed only 48 arcades to reopen on the pretext that they fulfilled all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) put in place by Government to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.