Museveni to sportsmen: Stop womanising

Ivan Mubiru

President Museveni has advised sportsmen across the country to ‘stop womanising’ if they are to perform at the highest levels.

“From my footballing experience, I know that the following ingredients are important for the game; stamina, skill and teamwork. Stamina is critical because you do a lot of running. You must eat well, exercise and avoid alcohol, smoking and womanising,” he advised.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Cranes’ players and Fufa officials at State House Entebbe on Monday.

Fufa president led the delegation that included goal keeper and captain Dennis Onyango.

The rest of the squad is in Nigeria for an international friendly against Super Eagles.

The President also revealed that government will soon start building and repairing old stadia across the country.

“Having made progress on roads, dams, and other infrastructure, we shall soon start work on building and repair of old stadia. I hear there is some corruption in the sports sector and I have asked the minister to deal with it. Most support, however, should be given to trainers and players,” Museveni said.

Museveni’s remarks on stadia rehabilitation follow an announcement by the Ministry of Education and Sports Undersecretary, Aggrey David Kibenge on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, early November saying government is committed to constructing the Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira District.

This, after news of the arrest of Apitta Omara, a commissioner for Physical Education and Sports in MoES by Parliament CID Police for mismanaging Shs665m meant to build the stadium. He was arrested on the orders of the Parliamentary Committee on Commission, Statutory Authorities (Cosase).

At the same meeting,  President also congratulated the Uganda Cranes for their 1-0 over Cape Verde which sealed a spot at next year’s Afcon tournament.

But even even if the Cranes have already qualified, Museveni said he knew that there was a game to play against Tanzania but urged the team to play for the three points.

“Training is very important. Africans are very strong naturally. If you train well, you can dominate the sports world. The potential exists, what is critical is harnessing it through training.”