Football icons recall Polly Ouma’s golden era at farewell in Busia

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The body of former Uganda Cranes star and coach Polly Ouma was on Saturday (January 3) laid to rest at his ancestral home in Masafu, Lumino, Busia district.

Hundreds of mourners, mainly sportsmen and women, turned up to pay their last respects to the fallen national football hero, who passed away on December 30 2025.

Some of the former players who played with the late Polly Ouma. (Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)

Ouma, aged 83, passed away at Nsambya Hospital following a sudden collapse at his home earlier that Tuesday morning.

Several sports organisations with which he was associated were represented, including the Former Footballers Initiative (FFI), the East Africa Former Footballers Association, the Coaches Association, FUFA, the National Council of Sports (NCS), the Lugogo Veterans League, and clubs he coached, such as SC Villa and KCCA FC.

Family members, political leaders from the area and the clergy were also in attendance.

Some of the children of the late footballer Polly Ouma. (Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)

Prior to the burial in Busia, a requiem mass was held at St John’s Chapel, Mengo S.S., led by Canon Lovincer Kiwanuka. During the service, various football organisations paid glowing tributes, highlighting Ouma’s immense contribution to the game during his lifetime.

Canon Kiwanuka called upon all concerned parties, especially the family, to remain united and harmonious in preserving and promoting the legacy and achievements of the late Ouma, in line with biblical teachings. Representatives from the different groups later laid wreaths on his body.

The permanent secretary in the gender, labour and social development ministry, Aggrey Kibenge, himself a former player and referee, represented the government and hailed Ouma for his wisdom and outstanding coaching ability.

Some of the Lugogo Veterans team players laying a wreath on a casket containing the body of the late Polly Ouma at St. Johns Chapel at Mengo SS Jan 2, 2026. (Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)

“We played together on the Lugogo Veterans team for the last 25 years and were among the most consistent players. I will ensure that the initiative for former players receives the promised government support, especially since many of them are now in the elderly age category,” Kibenge said.

FUFA chief executive officer Edgar Watson, speaking on behalf of the football governing body, praised the late Ouma for his talent, humility and hard work. He revealed that FUFA met all the burial expenses and called upon the football fraternity to remain united.

FFI chairman Eng. Isaac Ngobya, however, emphasised that Ouma deserved to be paid gratuity as a former great player.

“He was such a high-profile figure in the country, yet too humble to demand recognition. The sweat of former footballers should be rewarded, and many of us fall into this category,” Ngobya noted.

Former Uganda Cranes players who played with the late Polly Ouma paying their last respects. (Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)

Representing former Uganda Cranes and AFCON players, Tom Lwanga shared memorable moments from Ouma’s time as Cranes captain.

“We had one of the best Cranes squads then, with Polly Ouma as captain. He scored fantastic goals by dodging defenders with ease. No other player did that, apart from the late Phillip Omondi, who emulated him,” Lwanga recalled.

Paul Ssali, Ali Sendegeya, Leo Adra, George Simwogerere, Sam Kabugo, William Nkemba and Sam Simbwa all recounted their high and low moments with the late Ouma, both as a player and a coach.

Family members of the late Polly Ouma laying a wreath on his casket. (Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)

“He is the only coach I have seen without double standards,” Simbwa remarked.

“He introduced me to club football and taught us the 4-4-2 system,” Nkemba added.

The body of the late Ouma was first taken to FUFA Kadiba Stadium in Mengo for public viewing before being transported to Busia district for burial.