Kyambadde is down but not out

May 23, 2010

INFIGHTING in amateur boxing reached unprecedented levels last week with a federation official being dragged behind bars.David Kyambadde, the secretary of one of the UABF factions, was locked up at Jinja Road Police Station on charges of impersonation and theft.

JAMES BAKAMA

I SAY SO


INFIGHTING in amateur boxing reached unprecedented levels last week with a federation official being dragged behind bars.David Kyambadde, the secretary of one of the UABF factions, was locked up at Jinja Road Police Station on charges of impersonation and theft.

What made this incident bizarre were the circumstances under which it occurred.

Kyambadde had just reported for work when his office was stormed by officials of the other UABF faction Godfrey Nyakana, Simon Barigo, Sande Kisuko and security operatives.

The group whisked him to one of the vehicles in a convoy of four cars where machine gun wielding men waited. Before he could contact his lawyers, the cars sped to police.

Efforts by lawyers later to convince police that the charges were trumped up were futile. Kyambadde as a result spent a night in the cooler.

The irony of this case lies in the fact that Kyambadde was locked up for possession of a kit he applied for as UABF secretary and was granted by world boxing governing body AIBA.

The impersonation charge is all about legitimacy as perceived on whichever side one might be. While Kyambadde and his executive are recognised by AIBA, Nyakana and company have ministerial endorsement.

Would it therefore be wrong to argue that minister Charles Bakkabulindi likewise endorsed the arrest, which was supposed to be a bold statement on exactly where power lies.

No wonder Nyakana’s sidekick Kisuko was chest thumping telling all and sundry that it was time for boys to be separated from men.

Kisuko was anxiously at police and Nakawa court sending media houses regular updates in a bid for thorough humiliation for his catch.

His disappointment was therefore understandable when court granted Kyambadde bail.

Most people were shaken to the marrow by the developments. Such arrests were supposed to be a feature of violent past regimes.

Kyambadde to the contrary is not about to be ruffled. To use his very words, he is ready to be a martyr for what he insists is the right cause.

So, if you thought Kyambadde is out, you are mistaken, the first gong has only sounded.

jbakama@newvision.co.ug




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