Swimming pioneer Dralega passes on

By Samson Opus

One of the names that will have lasting memories in Ugandan swimming circles is Jerome Dralega.

Dralega, 72, who passed away at Mulago hospital, last Thursday developed the sport through turbulent times in Uganda. The game became very popular by accident during the reign of President Idi Amin in 1973.

A Ugandan army officer was having good time with his family near the source of River Nile when he saw one of his children drowning. In an attempt to rescue the child, the father also drowned.

Then President Idi Amin ordered that all army officers should learn to swim. It was then when veteran swimmer Dralega got a contract to coach army officers at Kampala International Hotel which has since been renamed Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

Dralega who founded the Uganda Amateur Swimming Association went on to popularise the sport in the Uganda Police. Dralega was buried at his home near Lodonga Catholic Mission in Yumbe district.

“As far as sport is concerned, he was a very talented sportsman who groomed many sportsmen. We shall miss him tremendously,” moaned one of his close acquaintances David Agong.

Dralega, a former Uganda Police officer was active in boxing and basketball during the 1960s.

As a member of the Royal Life Saving Society, Dralega is fondly remembered for promoting water safety in Uganda. By the time of his death Dralega had just retired as chairman of Yumbe District Service Commission.

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