Uganda mourns football legend Polly Ouma

Former Uganda Cranes international and pacy forward of the 1970s, Polly Ouma, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, at Nsambya Hospital. He was 83.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirmed his death in an official statement: “FUFA mourns Uganda Cranes AFCON legend Polly Ouma. It is with profound sorrow that the Federation of Uganda Football Associations announces the passing of our legendary former Uganda Cranes player and head coach. On behalf of the FUFA Executive, Members, Delegates and Secretariat, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, ex-internationals and the entire football community.”

Ouma represented Uganda at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments -1968, 1976, and 1978, inspiring fans with his pace, skill, and leadership.

At club level, he starred for Simba FC, helping the side reach the Africa Club Championship final in 1972, where they narrowly lost to Hafia Conakry of Guinea.

Born on January 21, 1942, in Busia, Ouma studied at Busia Primary School, Manjasi Secondary School, St Bernard Kiswera SS, and St Henry’s Kitovu College. His football journey began at school before he joined Nsambya Old Timers, then Coffee FC, and later Simba FC around 1968, coinciding with the start of Uganda’s National League.

At Simba, Ouma established himself as a prolific goal scorer and team leader, guiding the club to its first league title in 1971 and another in 1978. His performances earned him a place in the Uganda Cranes, where he played a pivotal role in CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup triumphs in 1973, 1976, and 1977.

The pinnacle of his playing career came in 1978 when he was part of the historic Uganda Cranes squad that reached the AFCON final in Ghana. He scored during the tournament as Uganda finished runners-up, the country’s best AFCON performance to date.

After retiring, Ouma transitioned into coaching. In 1979 and 1980, FUFA selected him for advanced training courses in Germany. He later coached in Kenya before returning to Uganda, where his legacy flourished at SC Villa. In 1986, he guided the club to its first-ever league and Uganda Cup double, and in 1987, he led Villa to their maiden CECAFA Club Championship title.

Ouma also managed the Uganda Cranes between 1989 and 1995, winning the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup three times.

Polly Ouma leaves behind a remarkable legacy as both a player and coach, remembered for his pace, vision, and leadership that shaped Ugandan football for generations.