What footballers should learn from Kato Lubwama, Willy Kyambadde’s deaths – Mbabazi

Ex-Uganda Cranes international Charles Livingstone Mbabazi believes that former footballers can learn valuable lessons from the lives and deaths of Willy Kyambadde and Kato Lubwama.

While Kyambadde, a renowned footballer, passed away unhappily due to a lack of support, Lubwama, a celebrated actor and former Member of Parliament, received assistance from the state and parliament during his illness and after his death.

The fortunes the two icons have left behind speak volumes as well.

“Kyambadde died an unhappy man because he was not helped enough,” Mbabazi mourned on FUFA TV.

Generational challenge

Mbabazi highlights the generational challenge former footballers who played in the 90s and earlier faced.

He highlights that although they contributed significantly to the sport, they were not adequately exposed and rewarded financially.

“When you look at our regime from the 90s backwards, the legends are not happy because of their lives, unlike the current crop who earn well even if they don’t reach the national team.

“And,” he continues, “I can’t blame them because I have been there.”

Nuggets of wisdom

However, Mbabazi advises the former footballers to learn from this and emphasizes the need for unity, as it can create a stronger collective voice to advocate for their welfare.

Mbabazi suggests that the first step for ex-players is to approach the federation and request assistance in pushing their initiative forward.

“I was watching Kato Lubwama’s funeral where the [deputy] Speaker of parliament said they were going to give artists some money, so we need to learn from this!