New Vision sports columnist Mariam Mpaata gets honorary doctorate, to start sports university
Mpaata, a gender equality advocate noted that she has been and will always remain an advocate for the empowerment of women in all sectors of sports because women play a pivotal role in society.
Mariam and her husband Kassim Mpaata at the celebrations at Silver Springs Hotel. Photos by Johnson Were
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
New Vision sports columnist Mariam Mell'Osiime Mpaata has set her target on building a sports university that will be the first of its kind in East Africa.
Mpaata disclosed this in Kampala where her family was celebrating her Honorary Doctorate in Sports Management (honoris causa) from Commonwealth University and also her son Imran Mpaata’s Bachelor of Arts Football Studies degree from the Solent University, Southampton UK.
Imran is attached to the Police Football Club in Kampala.
Mariam Mpaata (C) with friends
“My focus has always been on getting a Ph.D., now that I have got it, my vision is to start a Sports University in Uganda and I will get it,” Mpaata said.
“I want to contribute to the sports industry, bring change to the lives of different people, especially women. That is why we acquired 10 acres of land in Iganga for the start, and all my focus is fulfilling my dream of a sports university and I know we can achieve it."
Imran Mpaata juggling the ballduring his graduation celebrations
Mpaata, a gender equality advocate noted that she has been and will always remain an advocate for the empowerment of women in all sectors of sports because women play a pivotal role in society.
She added that sports have changed the lives of many people and women can also have a better life through football and any other sport.
The Mpaata family joined by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson (L) to cut the cake
The highly decorated award-winning female sports and youth promoter believes that the promotion of sports will not only develop sports but also increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
FUFA Chief Executive officer Edgar Watson who was a guest at the function appreciated Mariam’s dedication to sports and urged others to support her by buying her book “Boots don’t lie” which is informative, educative, and inspiring to society.
Mariam (C) with her husband Kassim Mpaata (L) receive a gift from their son Imran Mpaata
Uganda Tourism Board CEO Lilly Ajarova urged the public to continue supporting Mariam in her endeavours.
“I urge the public to not only support Marriam by buying her book but to support her vision because sport is intertwined with tourism which contributes more than $1.6m to our economy," Ajarova said.
Who is Mariam Mell’ Osiime Mpaata?
She is a female gender equality activist who is passionate about women's empowerment and the promotion of sports especially football.
Mariam Mpaata (2nd right ) with Uganda Tourism Board CEO Lilly Ajarova and other other guests
A goalkeeper during her active days, Mpaata is the Founder of the Junior Stars Youth Development Programme, which runs football and mentorship programs since 2008 with an interaction of over 70,000 youth, a database of mentors and volunteers within the region.
Mariam Mpaata (C) with her mother (R) and her mother in law (L) at her graduation party
She is also the CEO of Afrika Sports Foundation Center, an institution that focuses on bridging passion and sports knowledge through education, Uganda 2019.
She Established the Watoto Africa Soccer Awards, which runs a series of tournaments and recognizes talented players through awards in Kenya (Mombasa) and Uganda (Iganga) since 2012.