MPs extol Cranes for Cecafa win
Dec 23, 2009
PARLIAMENT has paid glowing tribute to the Uganda Cranes for lifting the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, and the She-cranes for winning two major regional titles.
By Cyprian Musoke and Joyce Namutebi
PARLIAMENT has paid glowing tribute to the Uganda Cranes for lifting the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, and the She-cranes for winning two major regional titles.
In an extra-ordinary session on Tuesday, the MPs heaped praises on the players of the two teams, and pledged sh100,000 each for the players’ welfare.
Debating a motion moved by Northern youth MP David Obua, the MPs said it was within their power to ensure that sports gets adequate funding, which they pledged to do.
They however challenged the Cranes to take their victory to higher levels, including a shot at the next world Cup.
Obua said since Uganda enjoys the highest wins in the region, the House should consider increasing their budget in order to maintain the standard.
“Sports enhances unity in diversity and acts as a point of convergence. It is the best way to inculcate the spirit of practical patriotism,†he said.
He lamented that local sports had been overshadowed by European leagues, due to dwindling support from government.
The manager of the parliamentary soccer team that finished second in an East African Federation event Elijah Okupa thanked Uganda’s high Commissioner to Nairobi Angelina Wapakhabulo for hosting them and the Cranes after their win, but also decried dwindling state funding.
“The issue of motivation is key. Since we have started seeing the fruits we need to motivate our players,†he said.
He called for the fulfillment of President Yoweri Museveni’s pledge of US$3000 to seven players of the team which visited State House after their last win.
Rosemary Namayanja expressed concern over wrangling in FUFA, saying this might affect the brilliant performances by the Cranes.
She also called for the assistance of the women football team, which failed to travel to Zambia after eliminating Rwanda in the World Cup qualifiers due to lack of money.
Cranes beat Rwanda 2-0 in Nairobi last week to win a record 11th title in 15 final appearances since 1973. Kenya, whom Uganda eliminated at the semifinal stage are far behind with five cup victories with Ethiopia third with four.
Ululations filled the Parliament when the Cranes, led by their coach Bob Williamson walked into the gallery and were introduced by the deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
Abura Pirir said gone are the days when sports was done as a charity. He called for a sports policy.
Odonga Otto said sportsmen who have done Uganda proud in the past had passed on in dire circumstances.
Ben Wacha said in the past, sportsmen would be conscripted and put on the payrolls of the Police, army and Prisons as a way of having them earn a descent wage.
“How are you taking care of our sportsmen because this sh100,000 will not last a long while,†he asked minister Charles Bakkabulindi.
Bakkabulindi said he was handling wrangles in the sports sector, and would not tolerate any by 2010. He said they had invited sportsmen wishing to join any of the state institutions to indicate their willingness.
PARLIAMENT has paid glowing tribute to the Uganda Cranes for lifting the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, and the She-cranes for winning two major regional titles.
In an extra-ordinary session on Tuesday, the MPs heaped praises on the players of the two teams, and pledged sh100,000 each for the players’ welfare.
Debating a motion moved by Northern youth MP David Obua, the MPs said it was within their power to ensure that sports gets adequate funding, which they pledged to do.
They however challenged the Cranes to take their victory to higher levels, including a shot at the next world Cup.
Obua said since Uganda enjoys the highest wins in the region, the House should consider increasing their budget in order to maintain the standard.
“Sports enhances unity in diversity and acts as a point of convergence. It is the best way to inculcate the spirit of practical patriotism,†he said.
He lamented that local sports had been overshadowed by European leagues, due to dwindling support from government.
The manager of the parliamentary soccer team that finished second in an East African Federation event Elijah Okupa thanked Uganda’s high Commissioner to Nairobi Angelina Wapakhabulo for hosting them and the Cranes after their win, but also decried dwindling state funding.
“The issue of motivation is key. Since we have started seeing the fruits we need to motivate our players,†he said.
He called for the fulfillment of President Yoweri Museveni’s pledge of US$3000 to seven players of the team which visited State House after their last win.
Rosemary Namayanja expressed concern over wrangling in FUFA, saying this might affect the brilliant performances by the Cranes.
She also called for the assistance of the women football team, which failed to travel to Zambia after eliminating Rwanda in the World Cup qualifiers due to lack of money.
Cranes beat Rwanda 2-0 in Nairobi last week to win a record 11th title in 15 final appearances since 1973. Kenya, whom Uganda eliminated at the semifinal stage are far behind with five cup victories with Ethiopia third with four.
Ululations filled the Parliament when the Cranes, led by their coach Bob Williamson walked into the gallery and were introduced by the deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
Abura Pirir said gone are the days when sports was done as a charity. He called for a sports policy.
Odonga Otto said sportsmen who have done Uganda proud in the past had passed on in dire circumstances.
Ben Wacha said in the past, sportsmen would be conscripted and put on the payrolls of the Police, army and Prisons as a way of having them earn a descent wage.
“How are you taking care of our sportsmen because this sh100,000 will not last a long while,†he asked minister Charles Bakkabulindi.
Bakkabulindi said he was handling wrangles in the sports sector, and would not tolerate any by 2010. He said they had invited sportsmen wishing to join any of the state institutions to indicate their willingness.