Revisiting a 2004 sports milestone – Michael Ezra named USPA patron

As we journey back through Uganda's sporting history, we arrive at a significant moment from 2004 when businessman Michael Ezra was appointed as the new patron of the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA). This marked both an end and a beginning in Uganda's sports administration.

A Historic Break from Tradition

In a move that reshaped USPA's governance, members unanimously endorsed the executive committee's decision to appoint Ezra during one of their monthly meetings. This wasn't just another appointment - it represented a fundamental shift as the association exercised its newly amended constitutional right to select its own patron. For 34 years since USPA's formation in 1970, this position had automatically been held by the sitting Sports State Minister, making Ezra's appointment a groundbreaking departure from tradition.

Then-USPA chairman Joseph Kabuleta announced the news with the words: "We have talked to Ezra, and he has accepted to be our patron for only one year." The outgoing patron, Sports State Minister Okello Oryem, thus became the last minister to hold the position by default.

Celebrating Uganda's Sporting Heroes
The same historic meeting, generously sponsored by the new patron Ezra, served as a platform to honor Uganda's top sporting talents for March 2004. Leading the pack was Bombers captain and African Boxing Championship gold medalist Sadat Tebazalwa, who claimed the Sportsman of March title with 640 votes. Hot on his heels was rising star Riyaz Kurji, the promising motor rally driver, who secured 515 votes as runner-up. Athletics sensation Boniface Kiprop and weightlifting standout Abubakar Munyanyinda also received well-deserved recognition for their achievements.

The spotlight shone particularly bright on Ggaba United, who enjoyed a clean sweep of awards. Their goalkeeper Hamza Muwonge earned double honors as both Player and Goalkeeper of March following his outstanding performances against league heavyweights including KCC, Police, and Old Timers. Completing Ggaba's triumph was coach Frank Video Anyau, who claimed the Coach of the Month award, making it a perfect hat-trick for the club. Each of these outstanding performers was set to receive Sh100,000 from league sponsors Property Masters as reward for their excellence.

A Pivotal Moment in Sports History
Looking back, this period represents a fascinating intersection of sports, media and business in Uganda's development. The breaking of a 34-year tradition in USPA's leadership coincided with the celebration of emerging talents who would go on to shape Ugandan sports in the years that followed.

For those who remember this era, it serves as a reminder of how much has changed - and how much has remained true to Uganda's sporting spirit. Did you follow these events when they happened? Perhaps you remember watching these athletes in their prime? 

USPA bosses elected that month, also named their full executive
Chairman
Joseph Kabuleta
Vice Chairman
Isaac Mumena
General Secretary
Menya Dhakaba
Assistant secretary
Joseph Mbaziira
Treasurer
Mpalanyi Ssentongo
Assistant treasurer
Sophie Matovu
Organising secretary
Eddie Semugenyi
Assistant O.S
Nsobya Sebaggala
Disciplinary Committee
Katende Malibu and
Henry Muganga
Education committee
Ronald Kaggwa, Henry Mutyaba
Membership committee
Willy Kasirye and
Moses Kiwanuka
Photography Committee
James Mayanja and
Michael Nsubuga

We'd love to hear your memories and thoughts in the comments below.