MONARCHS: The necessity of social institutions.
During King Charles III’s coronation, there were anti-monarch protesters with placards that read ‘NOT MY KING. The groups’ quarrel in brief; “Hereditary public office goes against every democratic principle,” they state. “And because we can’t hold the King and his family to account at the ballot box, there’s nothing to stop them abusing their privilege, misusing their influence or simply wasting our money.” – Republic ( an anti-monarch group founded in 1983) Differing from thought and principle, another larger group celebrated the Prince who waited 70 years for the throne to-become King!
Likewise, Uganda has over 21 recognised Kings for the multi-cultural indigenous tribes in the country, and the Kabaka of Buganda the most prominent. Although Kings and cultural leaders are not politicians or heads of the central government, they do wield insurmountable influence and power over society and the leadership. So, the question I asked myself while I watched the bedazzled crowning of England’s 13th monarch since the union was simple but heavy,
HOW IMPORTANT ARE KINGS IN A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM?
a.Representation.
In a country with over 50 tribes of distinct Languages, norms and traditions, identity and the need to belong is more pronounced. Individuals and families in Uganda attach themselves to respective sects through last names and sometimes dress codes. This is to exhibit their tribal affinity in communities. A definition of who they are, either a muganda, musoga, munyakore, Acholi, Itesot or Langi (to mention but a few). The sense of self, root and originality.. and all this is represented by the Kings, Chieves and Queens crowned. So, like religion and race, tribes do provide a fellowship for so many.
These Tribal leaders therefore, can be and often are, metaphorical symbols of your standing in society. The status of your King can influence or impact your own repute, directly or indirectly. The public services you access and ultimately the environment you call home. They’re at times the voice for their respective tribe to central government. A quite whisperer to the democratically elected men and women in such a multi-tribal nation lobbying for his or her tribesmen. One can say, these institutions fight the bigger battles you can’t fight on an individual level.
b. Preserving History
‘Where did I come from?’ This is a question asked by so many globally who are trying to trace their hereditary origins. This can be a futile endeavour if such monarchs didn’t exist. Contrary to most elected leaders, Kings are tasked and find it as a noble duty to preserve what their fore fathers have left behind and continue the traditions in these evolving times. Without these cultural institutions, history can easily be rubbed away by the next elected leader who doesn’t carry similar political ideologies with the outgoing.
‘Olusesse’ is one of the dying languages in Uganda and the lack of a King or cultural leader is predominantly the reason why. In a century from now, it might be forgotten and gone from people’s minds. Similarly, various tribes are unknown and are a candle in the wind. Imagine your child asking you about their name and you have no idea where it is from, or why it is so?
The Ugandan tourism sector has profitably earned from the existence of these cultural institutions over the years. The reason people come to see your culture is for the uniqueness, beauty and perseverance.
c.Presitige
Pride. Kings offer extended joy and prestige to it’s people. The way you feel when your favourite sports teams win the championship or athlete is awarded the MVP of the year. You feel that you win when they win, loose when they loose, from the sense of belonging comes a sense of prestige too.
THE PROBLEM
In 1967, Obote abolished all Kingdoms when he deemed them a threat to his power and presidency. Similar sentiments have been held by other leaders who have exercised more level-headed tactics in dealing with the influence Kings have on society. Most politicians would rather not have to deal with Kings but likely envy the permanence of position, such cultural leaders hold. Death seemingly being the greater threat to their power and not an election. A king is on the throne for life and what politicians would give to have that.
Other people like the Republic group in England simply feel they should choose their own leader. Not to wait for one birthed down for them.
Today, in most African, European and Asian countries with Kings and cultural leaders, you find a people split in opinion. For and against the monarchy. The United Arab Emirates would be a compelling study for a monarchy that works since many elected leaders have led their countries into destruction scanting over issues of development and economic independence for the general public but rather focus on self improvement and wealth accumulation as fast they can before the next election.
CONCLUSION
Monarchs are likely to exist as long as society does, in whatever form they will in the technological era to come. As of now I think, I’m waiting for an integrated world without borders that will speak one language and see no colour, tribe or race. When this happens then maybe, Kings will no longer serve the innate human need to belong.
ABOUT ME:
I’m a God fearing Ugandan writer, film producer and artist working in the Ugandan media industry for over the last ten years now and am thankful for the experience, the people I’ve met and the modest living I’ve earned along the way. Thank you for reading this blog. You’re a unicorn. So continue being awesome and kindly share with a friend, leave a comment and subscribe to keep in the know of what I write weekly every Friday! See you next time. Stay Kind.
Find me @edrismatu on Twitter, Instagram,YouTube, and Linkedin
EVIL DEAD RISE : a confined film that excels
As a screenwriter myself, I’m often critical of the screenplay and plotting of any movie I get to see. Despite late rewrites and unforeseen production challenges, the finished edit more so often looks a bit different from paper and at times drastically apart. This can better the film or destroy the vision. So when a story unfolds as tightly as possible on the screen, my hat is off for the team.
Evil Dead Rise understands its limits and utilises the playground available in almost all the clever ways the Horror genre can allow. Location, Time, Cast and a budget of 19 million dollars with a box-office of 90 million as I post this, That’s good business.
*SPOILERS AHEAD
THE GOOD.
a. A confined story
Director and writer Lee Cronin keeps things intimate, tight and confined. One main location, 2 lead actors, 3 supporting and an affordable entire movie cast of about 10 characters. Either limited by budget or carrying on the franchise’s theme of a ‘small group of people trapped in a house’, Lee strikes the right horror chords with a simple linear family story that is relatable, scary and gory. The whole film lasts for one day’s night to dawn. This lends the story urgency and the claustrophobic element that works with horrors.
Evil Dead Rise centres on two partially estranged sisters; Beth and Ellie, who are struggling with life individually but find themselves trapped in this old pre-condemned apartment with Ellies’s three kids and few cleverly numbered neighbours. The two sisters are both at the precipice of their old lives and need each other to start anew in life, but after a mild earthquake unearths the book of the dead and curious teenage son Danny plays one of the old phonograph records, a demonic entity is summoned. The evil posses Ellie and she charges through the building to kill everyone before dawn. Simple and Effective.
There is barely a boring pass-time moment in the film. From the first drone frame flying through the woods to the last similar shot in the building basement, Evil dead rise is on a budget and has neither time nor space to waste. Lee escapes the need to meander locations and backstories flashbacks, turning his shortages into gold. Most of the creative choices the production team makes are on point. They serve the film not hinder it.
b.Creative shots and tricks
With over 1000 Films released a year, as a viewer you’re always looking for something fresh and intriguing. It may be recycled but the application of a skill or trait can turn something old anew. Three moments stood out for me in the film.
1.The drone and peephole shots. At the opening of the movie Cinematographer Dave Garbett utilises a drone shot that slithers through the woods and works efficiently to represent an ominous evil entity but most importantly sets the tone; This is a scary movie and something bad is about to happen. The same shot goes on to represent moments of possession for Ellie and Jessica effectively as the unseen demon watching our unknowing characters. It’s brilliant. Now you might argue that drone shots are not a new thing today and you are right, but the application here felt necessary as opposed to coming off as a trick that the cinematographer wanted to experiment with. It serves purpose.
After possession, Ellie is locked out of the house and roams the hallway killing, waiting and trying to cunningly persuade pre-teen daughter Kassie into letting her in. We are immersed into the peeping of what is beyond the room through a concave lens shot of a peeping hole and it works beautifully. To reiterate, this shot is not a new invention but the..application.
2.The grater. The moment when Bridget attacks Beth in the kitchen and grates her calf was something unexpected. Gory and befitting of the genre. It reminded me of a scene in the (2005) House of Wax slasher film where a character’s Achille’s tendon was cut with scissors. Such simple yet outstandingly clever moments can make a movie stand out and in today’s market, you always want to have such trend worthy moments. Look at how the dancing scene at the stairs turned (2019’s) Joker into a billion dollar film.
3.The elevator semi-contortion. Ellie’s possession is a thing of bondage and bone breaking. The demon finds her in the elevator returning with laundry and then in horror fashion uses the lift wires and cables to twist and bend her midair into an artistically painful work of art. I’m not sure why, but this scene reminded me of (2000’s) Hollowman and Scarymovie 2.
c. Alyssa Sutherland.
Not related to Jack Bauer (Keith Sutherland), Alyssa Sutherland is a star born! For both Director Lee Cronin and actress Alyssa, this movie might be their launchpad to blockbuster budgets and hotcake casting respectively. I first watched Alyssa on the tv show Vikings and understandably she neither had much to do there nor stand out for me then. Evil Dead Rise might just make her the next horror leading lady or villain! She has an interesting face which she plays with during the demon possessed scenes and quite scary might I add. She carries the film and propels herself to the summit of the Evil Dead Rise’s excellence. Let’s wait and see if Hollywood has noticed.
THE NOT SO GOOD
Despite the exciting visuals per budget and neat screenplay, Evil Dead Rise has a problem.. wait. I can not think of a major issue with this movie worth writing about. It is not perfect, but it is mostly good for what it is.
CONCLUSION
I have not watched the original trilogy or the 2013 soft reboot but Evil Dead Rise is a four star Horror film for anyone looking for some good old scares. The film is well paced and fundamentally grounds itself in reality. Be prepared for some out of the seat jumps and face cover moments that will have you peeping through your fingers.
For those in Uganda, the best cinema to go to is CENTURY CINEMAX. Experience the latest in HD Surround Sound at all 3D Cinemas located at Acacia Mall kisementi, Metroplex Naalya & Arena mall Nsambya. For bookings and more information visit their website @centurycinema.co.ug
ABOUT ME:
I’m a God fearing Ugandan writer, film producer and artist working in the Ugandan media industry for over the last ten years now and am thankful for the experience, the people I’ve met and the modest living I’ve earned along the way. Thank you for reading this blog. You’re a unicorn. So continue being awesome and kindly share with a friend, leave a comment and subscribe to keep in the know of what I write weekly every Friday! See you next time. Stay Kind.
Find me @edrismatu on Twitter, Instagram,YouTube, and Linkedin
SELECTIVE SERVICE: a poor restaurant experience.
We dine out looking for the ambiance, better cooking and of-course good service. The occasional escape from the homemade meals to (if you choose right) the fancy and expensive buffet at our favourite restaurants, cafés and kafundas (Hot Joints). It could be a lunch date, dinner or just a weekend out to sit at that cozy corner and read a book or write something creative.
The meal price tag on the menu comes with expectations. If I’m going to pay a steep price for a meal, I expect Good Food + Ambiance and most importantly SERVICE. The cheaper the meals the more lax I am about everything. I’m hungry and I just want to eat and move on.
THE PROBLEM
a.The Order or Leave policy
In Uganda, most uptown restaurant or cafe owners spend millions to create a cozy and comfortable environment for the guests. From cozy furniture to trendy stylistic interior decor meant to convince customers that the food is good here (often not). This is a strategy for recruiting new clients and hopefully retaining them, but on one condition, order for at least a drink or Leave.
This is common practice and a sort of ‘unsaid rule’ that most locals like myself are aware of. You can’t enter a restaurant and sit, work on your laptop or read a book for more than 30 minutes without having ordered something. The minimum requirement is a bottle of water or soda. Otherwise, one of the waiter/tress will approach you and with all intentions try to get you to order. Here are some of those polite reminders proffered to ‘idle’ customers.
- As a standard, the server will bring to you a menu the moment you sit down. In other countries customers wait to be seated but it’s different here, you can walk in and find a seat of your liking. No fuss needed. So this is when the subtle but determined signals begin. If the waiter has brought a menu to you and you don’t order immediately, they will know that you are not a ‘usual’ frequent customer; those know what they eat. So the waiter will stand by as you peruse through the cardboard menu (printed and designed with internet food pictures), critically scanning your face or at other times nonchalant and bored (already tired of their job and want to yell at you to order so they can move on). If you seem lost for choice, they will make a few suggestions, usually Matooke and chicken or all food and meat. The top billers first. Not beans or vegetables soups. In other-words, make up your mind or let us help you do it.
- If you are genuinely not ready and need more time to read through the menu, then naturally you will ask the waiter to give you some more time, ‘I will call for you when I’m ready’. The server will smile and walk away with one last profiling scan of you. Weighing your probable class and intention. If in more than 10 minutes, you have not ordered, then they will return, having made up their mind that you are either broke or one of those idle customers looking to hang out and take selfies then leave. (The judging can get real and tough) Next step is to offer you a drink as you read the menu. ‘Can I bring you water or Soda?’ they will ask. This is I think a boot camp training trick for Ugandan servers. A safe-guard alternative to have you order something incase you indeed just looking to sit without eating.
- When the carrot fails, it’s sticks out! ‘My boss says you have to order or leave’ A waitress has said this to me once I and my best friend were taking a bit of time to order since what she wanted was not available that day. The servers will either get aggressive with you or make up scenarios of how their superiors will make them pay if a customer they are waiting on sits for longer than 30 minutes without ordering something off the menu. I am not sure if this is indeed true or not but there is surely smoke under that pot.
b. We serve based on race and status
I came to learn from my non-Ugandan acquaintances that they had been to the same restaurants and Cafés, sat for hours on their laptops and books without ordering a single bloody water or soda. Got done and left without spending a coin. This too is another unspoken custom understood by restaurant servers in Uganda. However, there are places that have no selective service.
Majority of Ugandans are polite and not quick to make a scene when there is poor service and I guess this why it is difficult for servers to approach non-Ugandans on the same issue or the fact that guests are given special treatment. But should it be like that? I don’t think so.
CONCLUSION
Restaurant owners defend the observance of the ‘Order or leave’ unwritten rule with the need for security against hooligans and business reasons. A very understandable explaining if this custom is applied to all customers, but it’s not. Otherwise it groups itself under the segregational mentality and prejudice against people of different backgrounds. Public spaces have to be welcoming to anyone, regardless of race, tribe or appearance. To restaurants that run this covert ugly behaviour, customers will quietly leave your business. Make the decent choice of welcoming every customer and if these are the rules for your establishment, then no one should be an exception.
ABOUT ME:
I’m a God fearing Ugandan writer, film producer and artist working in the Ugandan media industry for over the last ten years now and am thankful for the experience, the people I’ve met and the modest living I’ve earned along the way. Thank you for reading this blog. You’re a unicorn. So continue being awesome and kindly share with a friend, leave a comment and subscribe to keep in the know of what I write weekly every Friday! See you next time. Stay Kind.
Find me @edrismatu on Twitter, Instagram,YouTube, and Linkedin
A NEW HIGH-END CINEMA HALL OPENS.
Did you ever watch movies from the popular ‘Bibadda’ Cinema Halls? With famous video jokers like Vj Jjingo commentating over the full movie with witty phrases and overly dramatic expressions. As a kid, I would sit outside the Kibadda and listen to the whole movie when I couldn’t afford the ticket, but oh my, when I retold it to my mates, they couldn’t tell that I hadn’t seen a single frame of ‘Revenge of the Pumpkin-head’. (I would find out later the actual title of this movie)
Anyone who loves movies must appreciate the cinematic and grand escapism the medium provides. Epic action sequences, dramatic emotional moments, and the Marvel/DC superhero fantasy euphoria: movies are the ultimate entertainment source, only second to music. If it’s a blockbuster film, there’s only one way to see it – not on a laptop or phone while in a taxi en route home, but on the big cinema screen, 3D or otherwise.
In Kampala, there is only one Cinema Franchise offering that experience – CENTURY CINEMAX UGANDA, with branches at Acacia Mall Kisementi, Metroplex Naalya, and now a brand new High-end and exclusive cinema hall at ARENA MALL, Nsambya.
WHAT IS ON OFFER?
Located at the contemporary Arena Mall in Nsambya, the newly opened Century Cinemax Hall is a promise for a better quality picture, sound, and the comfort you would get at home watching your favorite movie with friends and family.
The Screens: Standard, Max, and Gold.
The Standard Screen seats a 101 audience, while the MAX screen has a capacity of 221 with 22 recliner chairs that have the comfort of a truly first-class experience. For a more exclusive bargain, the GOLD is a true VIP offering with only 44 seats and a coming soon waiting-lounge fit for that premium ticket.
All three halls have Grey projector screens that offer a high contrast picture and laser beam projectors, HD surround sound, and 2D/3D options with an eatery area with popcorn and all drinks on the menu. Ticket prices for all the screens range from 10,000 – 25,000ugx and a private show exclusive offer at 2 million UGX.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
If you can’t get to Accacia or Metroplex and are looking for that special and exclusive movie experience, go check out the brand new century Cinemax at Arena mall.
For more information visit the century Cinemax social media platforms or website.
I have been working in the media industry for over ten years now and am thankful for the experience, met people, and earned a little living along the way. Thank you for reading this blog and now kindly share with a friend and leave a comment, to continue the conversation. See you next time.
Find me @edrismatu on Twitter, Instagram,YouTube, and Linkedin
PRESIDENTS AT THE WORLD CUP FINAL
I have a strong feeling that 2022 is our year to participate in the world cup. We go. We go, Uganda Cranes we go! Too soon? Okay.
I am certain though that yesterday, 15th July 2018, some few Ugandans bet their salary on the wrong team and now are hiding behind coffee plantations (try again during premiere league). The world cup Russia 2018 final was not short of drama as France and Craotia had battled through the group stages, last 16, quarter final, semi-finals and the world cup was in reach for both teams. Today marks that day when some of us football fans start to argue over the VAR controversial penalty, a comic blander from goal keeper lloris, an own goal and a record 19 year old strike that cemented France’s win at 4-2.
The show stealer moment though came after the whistle was blown and the three presidents had cued to give away medals. The man himself; Vladmir Putin president of Russia, Emmanuel Macron and Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic presidents to France and Croatia respectively. It was going to be a normal ceremony until God decided to add a little bit of rain to the party. Now, this when character shone through, in a flash an umbrella was over Putin’s head before a drizzle touched his likely expensive suit and for another five minutes or so the other two presidents remained without a cover over their heads.
What?! A president drenched in rain for five minutes? This is an outcry, but no, the two 40 year old presidents Macron and Kolinda seemed not to mind, but laughed and continued hugging players and thanking their countrymen for the victorious hard work they had displayed as 65 year old Putin continued serving medals with little or no smile.
It was a fresh sight of presidents who walked hand in hand to the platform and continued to show how normal they were without assuming a ‘small god’ status. When I researched more about the French and Craotia president, things became clear, these are presidents who serve and love their countries. When most presidents are beyond retirement age, these two are young and I believe fun to be around.
What do you think this means? I also don’t know.
One thing for sure is that France lifted the world cup and the likes of Pogba and new youngster Kylian Mabppe are on the rise. Come 2022, the world Cup will be hosted by Qatar from November to December and I truly and hopefully believe Uganda might as well participate in that world Cup. Fingers crossed or the Government could actually target this. I mean the social media tax money could be invested in the team. Just saying!
MY PHONE, MY LIFE
You can text, call or post to get my attention.
No more letter writing or unexpected visits. If digitizing human touch wasn’t such a futile task to embark on, most of us would not see our relatives or friends anymore.
For most of my fellow millennials, the world when people wrote letters and paper chats in class is as vintage as the zinjanthropus. Now is a digital world, running so fast that when the 3210Nokia phone was the coolest thing to have, now iPhones are a upgraded every after a few months.
I communicate, schedule, entertain, learn and basically run over 70% of my day to day schedule on phone. All my secrets and unsolicited thoughts are posted for the world to see. Even trump is running a country on twitter!
Go out on a date and both of you will eventually get tired of talking and start texting each other seated no more than a feet apart.
We have disabled our minds and become dependent on our phones that when people’s phones are hacked (Angella Kalule and Desire have a full tale to tell) life breaks down. I am not to blame and will cast none on any of you, the phone has made life simpler faster and eased access to information.
The price to living in your phone is PRIVACY and the currency is INFORMATION. One of the selling points for the smart world has been FREE ACCESS. This is debatable and frankly I disagree, facebook, instagram, mail and other digital platforms have seduced away your life information and taken it over.
Question is, are going to pour our lives into the phone. I think yes. Embrace the smart phone but don’t jump with eyes closed.
EID MUBARAK!!
It’s The Year 1438, and the holy month of Ramadan is gone.
Ramadan is a month of reflection and expanding on our willingness to Give, Help, Pray and reset our life deeds towards good.
This month is a time time to simply think about your choices, tame your blissful fancies and hope you stay that way for the rest of the year.
So as life would have it, even when Shaitan is locked away, we tend to deviate from what we know to be good but do what we want. Allah is the most merciful, he who forgives and guides the hearts of men to light, through his words in the Quran and evidences that we are nothing without him.
Be humble, sit down and repent. Miracles are within iiman.
I am thankful to Allah for family, friends, health, freedom, sanity, understanding and all miracles seen and unseen.
Eid Mubarak, Moslem brothers and sisters. Ramadan is gone but you iiman should not depart with it. Keep it and keep the faith.
THE UGANDA – EGYPT SAD AFFAIR.
It is Official, Egypt is the number one sworn enemy to most Ugandans. Mbu ‘ we should cut off the River Nile supply and redirect it to Congo!’ (this hatred is becoming something else.)
The Uganda Cranes lost to Egypt and this was rather a predictable disappointment but as any hopeful citizen, I had previously predicted Uganda would win the AFCON 2017. Silly me. Maybe we should aim for the world cup! At this point I am desperate for anything.
With little effort or input, most of we Ugandans always seem to expect miracles. (God help us .) If anything, this heartbreaking loss to Egypt should serve as an eye opener for Uganda. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Great football nations like Brazil, German and Spain have consciously embedded football into their country’s vision and way of living. The sport is not an after meal that could be left on a plate. It is a recognized job opportunity for the youth and a lucrative industry for their economies. In the 90s, Uganda was known for it’s agricultural exports, then came oil (a very delicate subject) and now I am honestly not sure what Uganda is all about.
Today we are supporting football, tomorrow rugby and the other day politicians are fighting! Get it together teenage girl, you will not have all the boys at school! (Oops that was another conversation)
Taking away from the two AFCON 2017 games, the boys lost to Ghana on a penalty and to Egypt on a last minute lucky chance. This is what happens to even the best of teams, sometimes you just don’t have the edge to win.
Uganda Cranes is embodied by a young hungry competitive spirit and skilled players that have a winning mind. (Ignore the Massa catastrophe) The likes of Muhamad Shaban, Joseph Ocaya and Farouk Miiya could as well be playing in the premier League but we need to prepare for the future of soccer.
The governemt should start setting up and support already existing football academies to groom tomorrow’s Messi not a lawyer or pilot as we were told in the 90’s. (There is even no serious piloting school in Uganda but we were encouraged to aim for the job. Perplexing!)
The time is now to embrace the future. We shall not win the AFCON if we have one training stadium and no sport Academies. I humbly ask that our parliament starts discussing such issues and let the Golden Hand shake alone. We have one of the best Armies in Africa because those boys are trained hard. Choppers, tanks and all. (Chuck Norris has nothing on these guys) Sports needs serious funding because it will bring in as equally much and more!
Most university graduands are jobless because they are studying for jobs already occupied by older candidates who are not willing to let go. This is an evolving era. A time that needs the youth to branch out to other industries. Sports, music and other creative studies are the way to go.
I love Uganda and I love sports. You and I should pave way for our grandchildren.
On Wednesday 25th, the Cranes will play their last AFCON 2017 game against Mali. Even though a win is pointless for us, I am hopelessly yearning for it. The boys need to come home with some restored confidence. The next competitive games are the world cup qualifiers. (Not a joke) If qualifying for big championships is our thing these days, I will happily settle for a place in the world cup!!! THE WORLD CUP (Are you this excited? I hope you are.)
lastly, Egypt is not Uganda’s enemy YOU PEOPLE ARE. kindly move on to better days.
UGANDA CRANES TO WIN AFCON’2017
YES, you did not read the title wrong. I wrote it with a sound mind and no coercion.
It’s been 38 years since Uganda played in the AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS, 1978 to be exact. Over three decades, we have made futile attempts to qualify for the competition. Frustratingly, It’s always been one of those ‘so close’ moments followed by major let downs! Finally, UGANDA CRANES didn’t do the obvious and disappoint. The boys played it hard, beat Comoros and qualified for the African Cup of Nations ( FYI this is like the Euro Cup for those non football fans, that is if you even know what the Euro cup is)
Now that we are playing in the AFCON 2017, what should Uganda expect?
Some fans say, ‘ A qualification is enough, at least we QUALIFIED!’,but what use is qualifying if we don’t even think we can win! ( Look at what Leicester City did in the premier League.) I strongly believe that as Ugandans, we need to be more hopeful and positive towards the Uganda Cranes. Without supporting our own, we are simply letting ourselves down. (Am talking to you FUFA and the Ministry of sports!)
The team has strongly relied on goalkeeper and African player of the Year, DENIS ONYAGO. Who by the way is ranked number 10 ahead of Arsenal’s Peter Chech, as one the best goal keepers in the world. (..and Uganda can’t even promote this guy. Oba tuli kuki?) Midfielder Farouk Miya, who scored the winning goal for Uganda and the likes of Emmanuel Okwi, Geofrey Massa, Tony Mawejje have been equally influential and of course club coach and manager Milutin ‘Miicho’ Sredojevic who has triumphed where other managers came so close.
Our team is good. Some might not know it, but The Uganda Cranes team was awarded the best national team of the year by CAF last year. So yeah, the team is good, but even the best of the best can be let down by lack of support.
Most Ugandan football fans know almost every European league player from the famous Messi, Ronaldo, Rooney to retired Maradona. These Ugandans faithfully support Manchester united and Chelsea, but if you asked them about Uganda cranes, that’s a sad story. This misguided support and love for these international leagues, is a result of us neglecting our own in preference to better neighbors. Mbu ‘eno season tugenda kugula abazanyi and we shall win the premier league.!’ We? You and whom?
Uganda Cranes sits in GROUP D with African football giants Ghana, Mali and Egypt. This looks bad for Uganda, all these teams are no strange visitors to the African Cup of Nations competition, but we need to let our boys know that ‘YES WE CAN‘. As the saying goes, it’s all about mentality. If you believe you can win then there is no limit to what you can do. Sadly, I bumped into one of the Uganda Cranes players (Yes, I also talk to stars) and he didn’t have the belief that they would even exceed the group stages! It got me worried that our boys are not encouraged to exceed expectations.
From here on, the media, football institutions and the government of Uganda need to wake up and popularize football and sports at large in Uganda. West Africa is doing it, lets jump onto the train and not be left behind. The premier league and other European football leagues support country economies annually. (imagine the money Uganda can make.)
The African Cup of Nations 2017 kicks off this Saturday 14th January but Uganda dives into it’s first game against Ghana on 17th January. (Am positive we can win this game.)
Enjoy the games and lets support our team to VICTORY!!!
Edris Matu 