Honoring a Legend: FFI Delivers Government Contribution to Late Capt. Polly Ouma’s Family

The Ministry of Education and Sports fulfills its pledge, supporting the family of the legendary Cranes captain as FFI advises on settling final obligations.

FFI honorary member Tom Lwanga handing over the cash contribution to Dofa Ouma Karani and Joanita Nekesa Ouma

KAMPALA – In a significant display of government support for Uganda's sporting heritage, the Former Footballers Initiative (FFI) has successfully delivered a condolence contribution of UGX 10,000,000 to the family of the late Captain Polly Ouma.

The funds were generously provided by the Ministry of Education and Sports, under the directive of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni , as a tribute to the legendary figure who passed away on December 30, 2025.

A Life of Service
Captain Polly Ouma was more than just a footballer; he was an institution. Known as "The Field General," he captained the famous Simba FC army side to the 1972 CAF Champions League final, a historic feat unmatched by any Ugandan club to date. He was a cornerstone of the Uganda Cranes during the 1978 AFCON glory run and later served the nation as a title-winning coach and FUFA Vice Chairman.

👉 Read Capt. Polly Ouma’s Full Profile & Legacy Here

The Handover
The ceremony was presided over by FFI honorary Member, Mr. Tom Lwanga, himself a legend who played alongside Ouma in the Golden Era.

He handed the contribution to the family’s representatives: Ouma's son, Mr. Dofa Ouma Karani, and daughter, Ms. Joanita Nekesa Ouma.

During the handover, Lwanga offered sage counsel to the bereaved family. He advised them to prioritize the immediate settlement of outstanding medical bills and service providers from the funeral, ensuring that the Captain’s name remains honored without debt. "The dignity of the General must be preserved even in his absence," Lwanga remarked.

A Family’s Gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Dofa Ouma Karani expressed deep appreciation for the gesture. "We are humbled that the FFI Executive, which my father served with such dedication, did not abandon us but instead stood as our family," he said.

He further extended his heartfelt thanks to the First Lady and Minister, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, for honoring his father's memory. "To see the Minister remember Mzee in this way brings us great comfort. We shall follow the guidance given to clear the bills, ensuring his legacy rests in peace."

Gratitude to the Ministry
The FFI Executive Committee extends its deepest appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Education and Sports. This swift intervention underscores the government's recognition of the sacrifices made by the men and women who built Ugandan sport.

By channeling this support through the FFI, the state has reinforced the importance of organized welfare structures for retired athletes, a key tenet of our Munno Mukabbi pillar.

Rest in Power, General.