Obote set our sports foundation
Oct 16, 2005
HOWEVER apolitical you might be, there comes a time when you must have a change of heart and pay attention to what’s going on in the corridors of power.
‘I SAY SO’ - James Bakama
HOWEVER apolitical you might be, there comes a time when you must have a change of heart and pay attention to what’s going on in the corridors of power.
Dr. Apollo Milton Obote’s death provides one such moment when even your columnist had to take note of what was previously unfamiliar political terrain.
But maybe my attention is understandable. Obote not only twice led Uganda, but also championed the country’s march to independence.
Such attention usually goes with assessment. Afterall, can there be a better time to take stock of Obote’s performance?
I will use my brief sojourn in these unfamiliar political waters by limiting myself to Obote’s performance in an area I understand best — sports.
You almost give Nyamurunga a zero when you base your judgement on his 1980-5 reign.
But this is only until you consider the fact that a stinging civil war for virtually his entire presidency couldn’t have had sports amongst the priorities.
The 1960’s however provide a sharply contrasting picture.
Obote, who unlike Idi Amin (RIP) and Yoweri Museveni, didn’t physically involve himself in sports, was however mindful of the fact that sports was not merely entertainment, but a sector where investment was crucial.
The ardent Arsenal fan, who was however rarely seen in the local stands, thus had in place a structure that was very mindful of the sports demands of the country.
No wonder the system provided Uganda’s first Olympic medallist — Leo Rwabwogo - a bronze medallist at the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games whose feat was followed by a silver by Eridad Mukwanga at the same games.
Even Uganda’s biggest sports achievement — interestingly attained by Obote’s tribesmate John Akii-Bua - a 400 meter hurdles gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics - was more a result of the foundation laid by Obote’s regime.
Uganda’s most popular sport, soccer, where the Cranes have been more of a punching bag for the past 26 years, is yet another area with fond memories of Obote’s time.
The Cranes regularly qualified for the Nations Cup final - a record only surpassed by Amin’s era where the Cranes made it to the final.
So, as we bid Obote farewell, it’s probably time that we also drew sports lessons from his reign.
jbakama@newvision.co.ug
HOWEVER apolitical you might be, there comes a time when you must have a change of heart and pay attention to what’s going on in the corridors of power.
Dr. Apollo Milton Obote’s death provides one such moment when even your columnist had to take note of what was previously unfamiliar political terrain.
But maybe my attention is understandable. Obote not only twice led Uganda, but also championed the country’s march to independence.
Such attention usually goes with assessment. Afterall, can there be a better time to take stock of Obote’s performance?
I will use my brief sojourn in these unfamiliar political waters by limiting myself to Obote’s performance in an area I understand best — sports.
You almost give Nyamurunga a zero when you base your judgement on his 1980-5 reign.
But this is only until you consider the fact that a stinging civil war for virtually his entire presidency couldn’t have had sports amongst the priorities.
The 1960’s however provide a sharply contrasting picture.
Obote, who unlike Idi Amin (RIP) and Yoweri Museveni, didn’t physically involve himself in sports, was however mindful of the fact that sports was not merely entertainment, but a sector where investment was crucial.
The ardent Arsenal fan, who was however rarely seen in the local stands, thus had in place a structure that was very mindful of the sports demands of the country.
No wonder the system provided Uganda’s first Olympic medallist — Leo Rwabwogo - a bronze medallist at the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games whose feat was followed by a silver by Eridad Mukwanga at the same games.
Even Uganda’s biggest sports achievement — interestingly attained by Obote’s tribesmate John Akii-Bua - a 400 meter hurdles gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics - was more a result of the foundation laid by Obote’s regime.
Uganda’s most popular sport, soccer, where the Cranes have been more of a punching bag for the past 26 years, is yet another area with fond memories of Obote’s time.
The Cranes regularly qualified for the Nations Cup final - a record only surpassed by Amin’s era where the Cranes made it to the final.
So, as we bid Obote farewell, it’s probably time that we also drew sports lessons from his reign.
jbakama@newvision.co.ug