FFI Honours Raphael Bwire at Rubaga Requiem
KAMPALA – Members of the Former Footballers’ Initiative joined family, friends, educationists and the wider sports fraternity at Rubaga Cathedral to honour the life of the late Raphael Ouma Bwire.
The Requiem Mass was held on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, as mourners gathered to celebrate a man whose service extended across football, education and youth development.
A Life Dedicated to Football
Bwire belonged to an influential generation of Ugandan footballers and featured for Nsambya FC alongside respected players such as John Baptist Ssemanobe, Leo Adraa and Barnabas Mwesigwa.
He later contributed to the development of young players as a coach and sports administrator. In 1973, he coached the Central Province Schools team, helping to guide emerging football talent.
Bwire also served as chairman of the COPA Coca-Cola National Organising Committee, contributing to one of Uganda’s most important school football development platforms. His work helped create opportunities for young players to begin journeys that would eventually lead some to The Cranes and professional football.
A Respected Educationist
Beyond the pitch, Bwire built an equally distinguished career in education.
He served as Deputy Head Teacher at Old Kampala Secondary School between 1975 and 1991 before becoming Head Teacher of St Peter’s Secondary School Nsambya from 1991 to 1998. He later returned to Old Kampala Secondary School as Head Teacher, serving until 2008.
He was remembered as a disciplined and committed administrator who valued academic excellence, character development and sport as essential parts of education.
FFI Stands with the Family
The presence of FFI members at the Requiem Mass reflected the organisation’s commitment to standing with former players and their families during moments of celebration and sorrow.
Bwire’s passing is a loss not only to his family and the education sector, but also to Uganda’s football fraternity. His legacy lives through the players he coached, the students he guided and the institutions he served.
His burial will take place in Busia on Saturday, 15 August 2026. The programme includes a special condolence message from the sports fraternity before the final blessing and burial.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
