Football fraternity pays tribute to fallen legend Polly Ouma
Ouma passed away on Tuesday, just before the end-of-year celebrations for 2025.
Former players who were coached by the late Polly Ouma pay their respect. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)
Hundreds of sportsmen and women gathered to honour the life of national football hero Polly Ouma, also known as Phanuel Masahwe, during a memorial service at St. John’s Chapel, Mengo S.S.
The mass, led by Canon Lovincer Kiwanuka, drew leaders from across Uganda’s football community, who paid glowing tribute to Ouma’s immense contribution to the game over his 83 years.
Canon Kiwanuka urged the family and football fraternity to remain united in preserving and promoting Ouma’s legacy.
Ouma passed away on Tuesday, just before the end-of-year celebrations for 2025.
Representatives from several organisations attended the service, including the Former Football Initiative (FFI), East Africa Former Football Association, Coaches Association, FUFA, National Council of Sports (NCS), Lugogo Veterans League, and clubs he coached such as SC Villa and KCCA FC. Wreaths were laid in his honour.
Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, hailed Ouma’s wisdom and coaching ability, recalling their 25 years together on the Lugogo Veterans team. He pledged government support for initiatives benefiting former players.
FUFA CEO Watson Edgar praised Ouma’s talent, humility, and hard work, noting that FUFA covered all burial expenses and called for unity within the football fraternity.
FFI chairman Eng. Isaac Ngobya emphasised that Ouma deserved gratuity as a former great player, highlighting the need to reward the sacrifices of past footballers.
Former Uganda Cranes captain Tom Lwanga recalled Ouma’s brilliance on the pitch:
“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.”
Following the service, Ouma’s body was taken to FUFA Kadiba Stadium in Mengo for public viewing before being transported to his ancestral home in Lumino-Daban Town, Busia District, for burial.