Afcon 2017: Ssewanyana roughed up

Onlookers were shocked when two Ugandan officials went for the rough option to resolve what otherwise looked like a simple issue.

This was at the entry to a function where Uganda's Speaker Rebecca Kadaga was due to hand over parliament's sh224m contribution to the Cranes in Port Gentil.

FUFA technical committee head Hamid Juma was not about to let Member of Parliament Allan Ssewanyana into the hall where the function was due.

But Ssewanyana, a shadow Minister, and the man who initiated the team's fundraising in the house, not only felt undermined, but was also not about to be blocked.

"There is first going to be a meeting between FUFA and the Speaker. You are not allowed in," shouted Juma as he shoved  Ssewanyana away.

Ssewanyana also charged but was no match for the towering Juma who not only blocked the entry, but continued pushing the honourable member away to the shock of the over 30 people present.

The Speaker on realizing that someone was amiss in the hall called for Ssewanyana.

"What is being discussed is of great sports importance so you have to attend," stressed another official to the disappointment of Juma.

MPs who included Peter Ogwang, Thomas Tayeebwa, Anjela Lanyero, Moses Kasibante, Ann Galiwango, Mohammed Nsereko and Patrick Isiagi were not amused that one of their own had been harassed.

"FUFA should style up. If they have their politics it shouldn't be brought to such functions," one of them complained.

The media was also first blocked before being let in last into the Hotel du Plac hall.

Kadaga, flanked by sports state minister Charles Bakkabulindi and Amabassador James Kinobe, commended the Cranes for a job well done.

She revealed that the Cranes had healed her heartbreak. "I had never recovered from the pain of 1978. Thanks a lot for doing us proud."

The speaker who handed over a dummy cheque to captain Geoffrey Massa, said the money had already been deposited on the FUFA account.

She however warned FUFA that there was need for accountability. "Every member of the team should get their money."

Kadaga also couldn't hide her thrill for the team's sense of style. "I love your hairstyles."

When it came to CAF footballer of the year Dennis Onyango, Kadaga again couldn't hide her emotion . "Onyango you are the best."