Norman Katende
26 November 2008
Kampala — HAD any one known the gates of death, Mama Baker Kazibwe would still be living as they would be locked before the monster struck.
But only memories now linger on for the icon, whose sports life and works will leave on for ages in Uganda.
Kazibwe, who succumbed to a liver infection and high blood pressure at Mulago Hospital on Monday, will be laid to rest at Kalagi, Mukono district at 4pm today. This will be after a memorial service in her honour at St Stephen's Church, Kabowa in Lubaga Division at 10am.
Unlike other administrators who seek sports to promote their personal interests, to her it was just part of her life -- she lived for it.
It was this love that earned her days in prison after the institution she loved so much, Express Football Club, was banned in 1977. But even after life in prison, she came out more determined.
"She loved football, was a friend to everyone and never kept a grudge. She never segregated any one because they supported rival clubs," lamented Paul Ssali, who has worked with Kazibwe in the promotion of women football since the early 90s.
The Red Eagles diehard, used to mobilise rival Villa and KCC fans to travel and support their respective clubs on international engagements. She used to organise transprot before her life got weak.
Her soccer love saw her dare to start women football, first involving club fans, before forming women soccer clubs.
On a trip to CAF headquarters in Cairo, work at the airport came to a standstill as she alighted from the aircraft. Because of her size, she was mistaken to be the FUFA president, which she took with honour. It has always been a joke, even at the death bed, with not many people conversant with her title of women soccer patron.
"It's a big gap that will take time to be closed, if ever. Our condolences to the bereaved family and to all the sports fraternity," said FUFA media committee head Rogers Mulindwa yesterday.
National Super League Committee secretary Eng. Moses Magogo also called upon all the clubs that will be taking part in the league this week to observe a minute of silence in Mama Baker's honour. He has also asked all players to wear black armbands.
"Lets learn from her good works," is all the Express FC executive secretary Kavuma Kabenge could comment.
Maama Baker also found time to write a football column for Bukedde.
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