Osama Fails To Win As ‘Queen’ Watches

By Geoffrey Kamali FUGITIVE Osama Bin Laden was not hiding from his pursuers in the caves of Afghanistan last Saturday.Instead, he was racing as a goat during the annual Royal Ascot Goat race at Speke Resort, Munyonyo. He emerged third, failing to win a sh4m prize at stake that was grabbed by Rocket II, another goat. His owner, Sanjiv Patel, had earlier warned that Osama was not in good form since he had been on the run for a long time. Osama was such a seller that he attracted big crowds to the race track when his name was announced. Another owner called his goat, Billy Lading, closer enough to attract crowds as well.Most of Osama’s admirers had been watching the world cup football match between England and Denmark, which they abandoned!. Other interesting goat names included Nyama Choma (Swahili for roast meat), Mobile Phones, Sky Pilot, Trigger, Pain, Silly Boy, Rowdy Russian and Liquidity Unlimited, sponsored by URA commissioner general, Annebritt Aslund.The day’s biggest prize, sponsored by MTN Uganda, went to a goat called Champagne Charlie, owned by Bob Sanders. Seven other goats won a total of sh18m.Guests included cabinet ministers, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, Henry Oryem and Sam Kutesa. ‘Queen Elizabeth’ Mary Reynolds, the chief guest, handed prizes to the winners.Ends