Hundreds attend former footballers initiative medical camp at Mengo SS

Hundreds of people gathered at Mengo Secondary School for a two-day medical camp organised by the Former Footballers Initiative.

The event, supported by Vision Group, the Rotary Club of Kampala Wandegeya, and Mengo Senior Secondary School, aimed to provide health screenings and medical care to former footballers and the general public.

Attendees were screened for various diseases, with some receiving immediate treatment and others referred to hospitals for further care where necessary.

The camp was officially launched on Thursday by Vision Group’s Chief Finance Officer, Augustine Tamale, who emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups.

Vision Group's Chief Finance officer Augustine Tamale (C) poses for a photo with former Footballers and the president of the Rotary Club of Kampala Wandegeya Stella Margaret Davies (in glasses) during the launch of the two-day medical camp at Mengo SS. PHOTO: Johnson Were

“I want to thank the organisers for their efforts in supporting their colleagues and the Rotary Club of Kampala Wandegeya for their contribution,” Tamale said.

He urged the public to prioritize early detection of health issues, stressing that timely medical intervention can save lives. Tamale also highlighted the need for athletes to prepare for life after their sports careers, urging them to plan for the future.

The medical camp offered a range of services, including disease screenings and blood donation drives. It also served as a platform to educate attendees on the importance of health and wellness. Tamale encouraged the current generation of athletes to pursue education alongside their sports careers, emphasizing that it is crucial for securing a stable future after retirement.

His sentiments were echoed by former Cranes star Saul Kizito, who called on footballers to invest in their education and financial planning. Kizito, who played for Express FC, KCC FC, and Nile FC during his career, lamented that many players neglect education, believing football alone will sustain them.

“Football is a short-term career. We need to sensitize young athletes to embrace education, as it is the only thing that can guarantee a better life after football,” Kizito said.

Kizito also reflected on the challenges faced by retired footballers, noting that many struggle financially and are often stigmatized. “We played football but ended up tarnishing the sport’s image as we are now seen as beggars. This initiative aims to mold sportsmen into responsible future citizens,” he added. He urged the government to support such initiatives, arguing that athletes deserve access to quality healthcare, just like other public servants. Kizito specifically called for the establishment of a rehabilitation hospital dedicated to sportsmen, citing it as an urgent need.

The event also saw remarks from other former football stars, including Issa Sekatawa, Baker Masiko (KCC FC), Ibrahim Kirya (SC Villa), and Jamil Kasirye, a former SC Villa captain and goalkeeper. They praised Vision Group and other corporate partners for their support, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in improving the lives of retired athletes.

The medical camp not only provided essential health services but also served as a reminder of the need for holistic support systems for athletes, both during and after their careers. By combining health screenings, education, and advocacy, the Former Footballers Initiative is paving the way for a brighter future for Uganda’s sports community.