Different football stakeholders have mourned the passing of former Uganda Cranes player Ibrahim Buwembo.  

Buwembo passed on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Mengo Hospital after an illness and was laid to rest on Saturday at Kyabadaza, Budde, Buwama, Mpigi District. 

The former winger won the CECAFA Cup with the national team in 1992. 

Buwembo played for Express (1986-88), Coffee (1989-1993), Simba (1998), Express (2000-2003), Super Cubs (2005-2006), and Burain of Oman (1993-1995). 

Former Cranes player Polly Ouma who also coached Buwembo hailed him as a top player during his playing days. 

Buwembo (right) lines up alongside Jackson Mayanja and the late Majid Musisi (centre) for Uganda at Nakivubo.

"He was a good player and could listen to whatever you told him to do. It's sad that the players I coached have left me. But I also encourage former footballers to look after themselves despite the challenges," noted Ouma. 

Cranes legend Tom Lwanga who at some point also coached Buwembo, echoed Ouma. 

"He was a player with a lot of determination. He could tell you I have to pass these defenders and he did. When he said we have to win, he worked for it. He was a good left-footed player and his passes were precise.  

“I coached him not long at Coffee. He was a product of Coffee with the likes of Obadiah Ssemakula, Fred Kajoba, and Moses Basena among others," said Lwanga. 

After hanging up his boots, Buwembo court controversy following clashes with football administrators over player transfer dealings, especially those that made moves to Vietnam.