Make boxer Kassim Ouma a Major
Apr 22, 2007
THE Uganda Peoples Defence Forces’ decision to allow deserter Kassim Ouma to peacefully return to Uganda was a masterstroke that must be applauded. Officials in Bombo must have finally acknowledged the international star’s status as a true Ugandan flag bearer.
I SAY SO - James Bakama
THE Uganda Peoples Defence Forces’ decision to allow deserter Kassim Ouma to peacefully return to Uganda was a masterstroke that must be applauded.
Officials in Bombo must have finally acknowledged the international star’s status as a true Ugandan flag bearer.
Bombo should have besides Ouma’s sparkle in the ring, also have considered the fact that by the time he deserted in 1997 he was a mere private.
But what’s more important today, is the global fame resulting from Ouma’s fists.
He is therefore a priceless jewel that deserves more attention.
Those in charge of Uganda’s PR machine should in fact find a way of capitalising on his fame.
He is a faster and more effective medium of promoting Uganda’s image, than say the famous $1m CNN advert.
So, why not first promote Ouma to a honorary rank, of for instance, captain or major, before officially discharging him from the forces?
There are those that might of course argue that the boxer has made some uncharitable remarks about the UPDF. But, the fact that Ouma finally swallowed his pride, apologised and sought forgiveness, is testament of his virtues.
The more important fact now should be the mileage that both the army and Uganda stands to benefit from Ouma’s stardom in the professional ring.
Promotion of athletes in the forces because of excellence on the field is not a new thing.
Captain Polly Ouma, the late John Akii-Bua—who died as a senior superintendant of Police— are just some of a very long list of outstanding Ugandan legends who earned pips because of their excellence in sport.
So, as Bombo prepares to receive Ouma this week, a honorary promotion could be tabled on the Army Commissions Board.
We should reward Ouma while he can still fly Uganda’s flag.
jbakama@newvision.co.ug
THE Uganda Peoples Defence Forces’ decision to allow deserter Kassim Ouma to peacefully return to Uganda was a masterstroke that must be applauded.
Officials in Bombo must have finally acknowledged the international star’s status as a true Ugandan flag bearer.
Bombo should have besides Ouma’s sparkle in the ring, also have considered the fact that by the time he deserted in 1997 he was a mere private.
But what’s more important today, is the global fame resulting from Ouma’s fists.
He is therefore a priceless jewel that deserves more attention.
Those in charge of Uganda’s PR machine should in fact find a way of capitalising on his fame.
He is a faster and more effective medium of promoting Uganda’s image, than say the famous $1m CNN advert.
So, why not first promote Ouma to a honorary rank, of for instance, captain or major, before officially discharging him from the forces?
There are those that might of course argue that the boxer has made some uncharitable remarks about the UPDF. But, the fact that Ouma finally swallowed his pride, apologised and sought forgiveness, is testament of his virtues.
The more important fact now should be the mileage that both the army and Uganda stands to benefit from Ouma’s stardom in the professional ring.
Promotion of athletes in the forces because of excellence on the field is not a new thing.
Captain Polly Ouma, the late John Akii-Bua—who died as a senior superintendant of Police— are just some of a very long list of outstanding Ugandan legends who earned pips because of their excellence in sport.
So, as Bombo prepares to receive Ouma this week, a honorary promotion could be tabled on the Army Commissions Board.
We should reward Ouma while he can still fly Uganda’s flag.
jbakama@newvision.co.ug