Ex-Cranes star Kaaya cries out for help as he battles TB

Jan 24, 2018

The former State House, Police, KCCA, Proline and Cranes defender, now requires a minimum of sh17m for treatment.

As a footballer, Ausi Kaaya battled strikers and fought for different clubs and country, but he is now fighting for his life after being diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and undergoing two operations.

A third operation is due because of the recurring condition, but Kaaya can longer manage the expense of the treatment and operation alone and is now crying out for help from the football fraternity and anyone else who can help.

The former State House, Police, KCCA, Proline and Cranes defender, now requires a minimum of sh17m for the operation and to pay-off debts that have accumulated as a result of the sickness.

International Scouts and Guides Fellowship President, Mathias Lukwago who is a friend and a former schoolmate, is now spearheading a fundraising drive including a breakfast at Barbados Hotel, Kampala on March 3.

"I first felt feverish and breathless every time I went onto the pitch until I went for a checkup and was diagnosed with TB, which has now eaten my right lung. The doctors recommended an operation to remove fluids that accumulated within, but I have exhausted all my money because I have spent a whole year in hospital," Kaaya told a press conference in Kampala on Wednesday.

"Two month after I left hospital, I felt unwell again and when I went for another x-ray, the fluids had returned and as we speak the right lung is non-functional, so I need to go back for another operation to overcome this situation," Kaaya stated.

He thanked the media and some former footballers such as Ibrahim Sekagya, Jimmy Kidega, Andy Mwesigwa, Mujib Kasule, Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Proline FC and fans who have helped, but cried out for more help.

"I have personally helped him before, but I believe we can do much as friends and the football fraternity so that we start the culture of working together. He contributed a lot as a footballer and I think we can do more," Lukwago said.

Proline's official, Hassan Kalibbala added his voice calling on the football fraternity to come to the rescue of the former national team player.

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