‘Why can’t we did it?’

When you mention Uganda, it instantly reminds one of the flamboyant Idi Amin ‘Dada’—the former dictator and the East African country leader.

Although he was ruthless, Amin was a figure of fun, because of his boorish antics and violent mood swings.

One of the funny quotes attributed to the Amin that thrills my world was when he apparently expressed gratitude to the Queen after she hosted him in London. Amin is quoted as saying: “Your Majesty, you have fed us and we are fed up, we’ll make sure if you come to Uganda, we shall revenge the hospital!”

It is widely believed that Amin meant that when the Queen visited Uganda, they would reciprocate the hospitality.

Another notable Ugandan is Gaetano Kagwa who first came into the limelight when he caused a stir across Africa with his sexual exploits with fellow Big Brother reality show housemate Abigail from South Africa when they openly had a ‘shushu’ session.’

Gaetano became popular by being different, taking the game to another extreme. Although he did not win, he became an instant hero in his home country and was given a hero’s welcome after the reality show.

But all this is vanity compared to Stephen Kiprotich’s return from the 2012 London Olympics where he won gold for Uganda in a marathon.

He was accorded a hero’s welcome in Kampala befitting Heads of State. The convoy included blaring siren, about eight presidential motorcycles and Kiprotich was in an open top posh gee. It was one of those defining moments for Uganda, one of those rare occasions which, 10 years down the line, you can feel proud to have witnessed.

Here was an African athlete ruling the world. And in Amin’s rhetoric: “If our fellow Africans Uganda did it, why can’t we did it?” Come on Joyce Tafatatha! Charlton Nyirenda! Chisomo Lumeta! Floriano Massah Jnr and Golden Gunde!

AOB: So, Rob Van Persie’s move to Manchester United has finally materialised! It must have come as a timely relief to all the Red Devils. Zoona mpaka Alex Ferguson kusala bubble-gum chifukwa cha Van Persie? Koma ziriko eeeh! My big boss Alfred Ntonga even visited a sing’anga in his Nkando home village in Mulanje just to make sure it happened.

Well…George Kasakula, Pat Tsonga, Herbert Chandilanga, my papa Tim, Anthony Kasunda, Mabvuto Banda, Blessings Somanje, Rob Sharuko, Pilirani Kachinziri, Walter Nyamilandu, my cousin Chaonaine Mkandawire, my brothers Peter and Paul and, of course, the rest of the Red Devils including ‘Atcheya’ and JZU—the journey has just started, let us see if it was worth it. Uloliwe..Uloliwe! Uloliwe wayidudula hi..nang’esiza! [the train is pushing!]

Club House News

Nico Life netball starts next Saturday

The K2.7 million Nico Life Netball League starts next Saturday, August 25, Northern Region netball chairperson Alick Mkandawire has announced. In an interview on Saturday, Mkandawire appealed to teams wishing to participate in the league to register in time. “We announce that the Nico Insurance Netball Trophy is starting on August 25 2012. Interested teams should pay K2 000 affiliation fee before the league starts,” said Mkandawire. He said they want to register 10 teams, so registration will be done on first come, first served basis. Meanwhile, coach for the defending champions Lameck Queens, Jane Kachali, has warned that they will keep the trophy for ever if their opponents do not train hard to beat them. But Mimosa Queens top shooter Future Mtegha, who recently helped her team win the 2012 Northern Region Presidential Cup said the champions should not blow their trumpet because things will change this time around.