Reunion brings back emotions for Uganda's Olympians

Left to Right: William Dralu, Rose Musani, Aggrey Awori and Mary Musani at the reunion. Courtesy photos

It was an emotional time as Uganda's Olympians from as far back as the 1960 Rome Games met at a re-union at Lugogo recently.

The Olympians converged at the Uganda Olympic Committee headquarters in the first ever such meeting for the former stars.

"I just can't believe this. I am meeting Mary Musani for the first time since 1964," said a visibly touched Aggrey Awori as he interacted with Uganda's first female Olympian.

Awori and Musani, both hurdlers at the Tokyo games, had a lot to share in good memories of the games.

A total of 28 Olympians were in attendance at the function where various subjects affecting the former stars were discussed.

It was agreed to make the function biannual with topics like the retired sportsmen's welfare key on the agenda.

Certificates and badges were handed out by UOC president William Blick and Secretary Don Rukare.

 Uganda's olympians in a group photo

"I planned for a brief stay. But I must confess I was also moved by the presence of such a wide spectrum of stars," said Blick.

The reunion was organised by Uganda Olympians Association, which is affiliated to the World Olympians Association.

Ganzi Mugula heads the national association that has Moses Musonge as secretary.

Olympians present: Aya Nakitanda, Ganzi Mugula, Rose Musani, Abdul Tebazalwa, Farida Kyakutema, John Kakoza, Davis Lusimbo, Adam Kassim, Aggrey Awori, Mary Musani, Charles Lubulwa, John Siryakibe, John Bosco Waigo.

 Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) secretary Donald Rukare, Irene Ajambo, a former weightlifter and UOC president William Blick 

Pus Olowo, Moses Melkiz Musonge, Patrick Lihanda, Sande Kizito, cCharles Kizza, Maggie Tumusime, William Santino Dralu, Justine Bayiga, Geofrey Nyeko, Paul Batambuze, Irene Ajambo, Benjamin Longiross, Jamilla Lunkuse, John Munduga