Museveni speaks out on Ouma
Dec 05, 2006
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni indicated yesterday that prize boxer Kassim Ouma could be pardoned for deserting the army.
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni indicated yesterday that prize boxer Kassim Ouma could be pardoned for deserting the army, reports William Muwonge.
“He deserted, that is no problem, where he is, the President said. Museveni further remarked, “We have amnesty for all sorts of people, that is no problem.â€
The President had been asked for his views on the America-based boxer during a press conference at State House, Nakasero.
Ouma, a former child soldier, deserted the army during the World Military Games in America in 1997.
Last year, Ouma beat America’s Verno Phillips to capture the IBF light middleweight title. The feat triggered off calls to have Ouma pardoned for deserting the army. He later lost the title.
But various government officials said that the 27-year-old would be arrested for his act if he returned home.
Museveni’s statement comes at an opportune moment for Ouma who goes for the biggest encounter of his career on Saturday against American Jermain Taylor in Little Rock, Arkansas. Taylor has put his WBC and WBO light middleweight titles on line.
“He deserted, that is no problem, where he is, the President said. Museveni further remarked, “We have amnesty for all sorts of people, that is no problem.â€
The President had been asked for his views on the America-based boxer during a press conference at State House, Nakasero.
Ouma, a former child soldier, deserted the army during the World Military Games in America in 1997.
Last year, Ouma beat America’s Verno Phillips to capture the IBF light middleweight title. The feat triggered off calls to have Ouma pardoned for deserting the army. He later lost the title.
But various government officials said that the 27-year-old would be arrested for his act if he returned home.
Museveni’s statement comes at an opportune moment for Ouma who goes for the biggest encounter of his career on Saturday against American Jermain Taylor in Little Rock, Arkansas. Taylor has put his WBC and WBO light middleweight titles on line.