Brig. Bell Tushabe bows out

Ugandan football has lost one of its most committed soldiers.

Bridagier Jackson "Bell" Tushabe passed on Tuesday morning at Nakasero Hospital. Burial arrangements in his home Ankole area will be announced today.

Colonel Bell, as he was popularly known while still serving football under the Lawrence Mulindwa reign, faced the rigours of the game head on.

The towering senior UPDF officer not only owned a club in the top tier - Victors FC, but also diligently served on local soccer's governing body - FUFA.

The retired officer led Victors from the lower divisions into a club of distinction. They won the Uganda Cup in the 2007/08 and 2009/10 seasons and on both occasions represented Uganda in the CAF Confederations Cup in 2009 and 2011.

As Tushabe's health started deteriorating Victors were in the 2012/13 relegated from the top flight and eventually dissolved.

He had various roles the most prominent being FUFA Vice President in charge of competitions.

"What do the rules say," he was on many occasions quoted whenever tasked to solve controversies, and indeed like a professional soldier, always found solutions based on set regulations.

He also headed the famed Super Division Clubs Association at a time when the body stood out as the strongest FUFA constituent.

His outstanding qualities as a security officer also stood out in 2012 when headed the security committee of the 2012 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Uganda.

"We would like to express our heartfelt condolences on the demise of Brigadier Jackson "Bell" Tushabe.

Words are inadequate to express this sad moment as football has lost a great contributor of the game. Bell served the game with a lot of diligence and always showcased his vast experience in projects assigned to him.

He loved the beautiful game and he was enthusiastic on anything connected to football. We shall miss him dearly.

Our condolences go to the bereaved family and Uganda Peoples Defence Forces," reads a message from FUFA.