Golfers pay tribute to senior golfer Kego

GOLF      DEATH

Thousands of mourners flocked St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church in Ntinda yesterday to mourn and celebrate the life of their fellow golfer Simon Kego.

Simon Kego died of cancer according to family members and he has been bedridden for six months.

Charles Karyarugookwe the captain of the Uganda golf club said Kego loved golf so much.

The widow Alice Kego lays a wreath on the casket of his late husband at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Church, Ntinda, January 23, 2020. Photos by Patricia Turyahebwa

"I would like to extend my condolence to the Kegos on behalf of the golf members, Simon Kego loved golf very much and since 2007 the Kego family has been part of us. As a golf family we have lost a friend and a great leader who once served as the president of Uganda golf union, in the early 1970s' when the political influence in Uganda was shameful," Karyarugookwe said.

DP president Nobert Mao described the late as a supportive and loving man.

I have been watching him and his wife whom I call mummy and daddy and they were ever together. Though some of us are in failed relationships, watching their love strengthened us. And I cannot forget their undying love for golf," Mao said.

Uganda Golf Club members pay their last respect.

"He was someone supportive in the sense that he supported many people most especially with education and he was not like these hens that lay one egg and start making noise in the whole community. Mao added.

His children applauded him for his love for them and more so for educating them.

"Our dad gave us a first-class and quality education to all of us and he was always passionate to check on how we are doing at school and was keen on seeing us do well. He educated many other people but above all, he taught us to love and unity." Carol Kego said.

Kego leaves behind a widow Alice Kego, five biological children, 4 adopted children, 21grand children, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Born on October 22, 1941, he went to Ediofe Primary school, Junior secondary school war. Sir Samuel Baker Gulu SS, worked at the printing department in Entebbe, and trained as a cadet officer, he was in1969 promoted to various positions within the prison service including to the assistant commissioner of prisons. In 1972, he retired and started private business and farming.

Some of the family members during the church service.

He was a jolly golfer and in 2007 after  he won the then famous Blue Jacket told guests at the prize ceremony that older golfers were not yet lame ducks and could still play and win.