The family of Uganda’s sports legend John Akii-Bua, who won gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has expressed their happiness on the Award instituted by the Police force in honour of their dad.
Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura presided over the launching of the award on Saturday. The award which will spot and cater for the educating of children who have skill in athletics but cannot afford good education and access good sporting facilities. The award was launched at the Kololo Independence ground.
His son, Tony Akii-Bua , told URN on Saturday afternoon that although it had taken Uganda 40 years to honour his dad who did the country proud, as a family they are happy the Award is finally in place. “We are so grateful to the Police who have put in place this Award and have also continued to be supportive to us since our daddy passed on,” said Tony.
//Cue in: One thing for sure…
Cue out; Beautiful for me,” //
At the launch, Lt. General Kale Kayihura, who was the Chief Guest, said the Award will be US $ 6,000 US dollars every year. The Uganda Olympic Committee will add another US $10,000 every Olympic year and the National Council of Sports will contribute US $ 2,000 every year.
Speaking about the house in Kamwokya that the then President Idi Amin gave Akii-Bua for winning the gold medal, Tony prayed to government and the Police that paper work to transfer the house to the names of his dad is done quickly. “I know certain things can be slow sometimes, but I pray that this is sorted out pretty fast so that we as a family peacefully enjoy the sweat of our dad,” said Tony who added that it’s true the Inspector General of Police might not have been aware of the house issue like he said in his speech.
//Cue in: First and foremost…
Cue out; What he was given,”//
Besides Akii-Bua, the Uganda Police force has also produced other top sporting stars including former Cranes footballer Dennis Obua who also became President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations and the regional Council for East and Central African Football Associations.
