Akii-Bua Memorial Sept 1-7

By James OdomelUganda German Cultural Society (UGCS) in conjunction with the family of late John Akii-Bua are to organise a memorial exhibition in remembrance of John Akii-Bua’s Olympic gold medal win 30 years ago. The exhibition, dubbed, “John Akii-Bua, Uganda’s Munich 1972 Golden Boy” is to run from Sunday. The function, supported by Bell Lager brand of Uganda Breweries, will depict Akii-Bua’s life as a father, a Police officer, an exile and a sportsman.Akii-Bua (right), winner of Uganda’s only track gold medal during the Munich 1972 Olympics 400m hurdles, still has his 47.82secs time record among the top world ten after 30 years.The organisers feel that Akii-Bua’s achievement deserves celebration.Speaking at a press conference at UGCS offices on Tuesday, Goretti Masadde, Bell Lager brand manager said they are proud to be associated with Akii-Bua’s achievement.“Every success daily or long term needs to be celebrated. Bell Lager will celebrate that achievement with you. His achievement indeed calls for celebration and that is why we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate with the Ugandans this national achievement,” she said.Denise, daughter to Akii-Bua, thanked Bell Lager and the Uganda German Culture Society for the support, saying, “We believe this is a great day to remember and honour the life and achievements of Akii-Abua. “I would like to thank Bell and UGCS for realising the need to celebrate Uganda’s only Olympic gold medallist and African champion and hence giving us all the support”.Outlining the programme for the first day of the week-long exhibition, Denise said it would be a fun-filled day.The day will begin with a Fun Run followed by an exhibition week of his pictures, memorabilia and other important displays. A documentary film of his life and his sports career, including the winning race in Munich in 1972 will be part of the exhibition.UGSC director Roland Klein, was happy at being one of the organisers.Ends