We had last met almost a decade ago but Byekwaso was very much in his old element of making sure he comforts everyone in an otherwise somber situation. His banter restored hope some mourners had lost.

He told me how fate brought me all the way from Kampala in order to tell his life story to the world. Byekwaso has kept a low profile since quitting mainstream sports journalism and relocated to his home area of Namutamba, where he stays with wife Margaret Nansubuga.

He heads the planning department of his parish church. On the other hand, he is also the NRM secretary of Bulerera sub-county in Mityana North constituency.

Now 70 years old, Byekwaso remains full of homour as though his life depends on it. With hindsight, however, it can be argued that being a gifted orator propelled Byekwaso to football fame right from the seventies.

RISE TO FAME

His first major assignment was in 1973 during a 1974 Nations Cup qualifier between Uganda and Algeria in Kampala.
Byekwawo, who had just succeeded his mentor Mike Sebalu [no relation to the politician] was an instant success behind the microphone as The Cranes won 2-1 courtesy of goals by Ashe Mukasa and Denis Obua.

Later that year, however, Byekwaso left the scene to pursue a degree in journalism at the University of Nairobi. Still, he remained the contact man when Ugandan teams travelled to Kenya for games. He would provide commentary along with Sam Kiremera Kigongo. He returned home in 1977.

1977 CECAFA CUP

Specializing in English, Byekwaso had cut out a niche in football commentary but it was during his commentary in the tournament held in Somalia that he became a household name on the airwaves.

Back then, we didn’t have the benefit of watching live games on TV. So, being the sole commentator at the tournament meant he was the only source of information about the game.

He travelled along with The Cranes contingent as they sought to defend the title. While there, his comprehension of football tactics and rules greatly endeared him to the listeners back in Uganda.

Coupled with his strong command of the English language, Byekwaso was flawless in his commentary and was the first to create a relentless 90 minutes of excitement and tension.

He even went a notch higher by introducing a new spin where he preferred to call players by things that best describe their style and attributes. For example, he called Leo Adraa Bomber, Mike Kiganda Computer, Ashe Mukasa Lord, Jimmy Kirunda Berlin Wall, Moses Nsereko Master Planner, Denis Obua Destroyer and Paul Ssali Commando, among others.

The final against Zambia was particularly a watershed moment for Byekwaso as he took the nation through a rollercoaster of emotions during the goalless 120 minutes before Uganda triumphed in the spot-kicks.

Byekwaso returned home a hero of sorts and garnered a fanbase never seen before for a commentator. At Radio Uganda where he worked, Byekwaso was a celeb of sorts and was often tasked to lead the commentary of domestic league games.

And he didn’t just stop at relaying matters on the pitch; Byekwaso was a keen observer of matters off the pitch and often criticized authorities without fear. He didn’t spare players, especially in cases of indiscipline. Such was his authority that many stakeholders sought his views on football matters.

Interestingly, only two languages – English and Swahili – were allowed for international games. So, that is how Muzungu Kanga became Byekwaso’s co-commentator by relaying the Swahili version.

But when authorities allowed other languages for local games, the duo was joined by the likes of Yossam Rugundana (Runyakitara) and Abdul Nsereko (Luganda).

1978 Nations Cup

The 1978 Nations Cup cemented his place as the country’s top commentator albeit in a way he couldn’t have envisaged. Byekwaso, renowned for his in-depth probing of player fitness and team tactics before every game, had written off The Cranes even before a ball was kicked.

The pessimist in him turned each game into a miracle until Uganda sent defending champions Morocco packing. Thereafter, he hyped The Cranes to a wholly different level as though they were the best in the world. I’m sure the semifinal victory over highly-fancied Nigeria is still etched in everyone who followed him that afternoon.

Even in the final when Uganda lost 0-2, he offered so much hope you would think The Cranes totally outplayed the hosts.
Upon return, Byekwaso had established himself as one of the best in the region in the class of legendary commentators such as Kenyan Ronald Mambotera and Denis Liwewe of Zambia.

EMOTIONAL STYLE

Byekwaso often raised match stakes to create a do-or-die situation. During matches, he would sometimes seem as though he had fainted when The Cranes missed a golden chance.

He often wailed when Uganda was under siege. On the other hand, he had a trademark wild scream to signal a goal. Such was Byekwaso’s captivating style of commentary that he would make an ordinary league game seem like a World Cup final.  
At times, he would warn the fainthearted not to get near radios. I’m yet to find a commentator who makes fans cry tears of joy.

Byekwaso was so obsessed with the rules of the game that at one stage, he studied and qualified as a grade three referee although he never officiated any top-flight games.

PASSING ON THE BATON

Later in the eighties, Byekwaso was joined by budding sports commentators such as Francis Ojia (English), David Matovu (Luganda), Dan Byobyonka (Runyakitara) and Mike Arerenge (Swahili) to create a multilingual commentary that revolutionized modern commentary.

By the nineties, Byekwaso had acquired huge responsibilities at Radio Uganda and left much of the commentary to his fast-rising protégé, Stephen Sempa, who did exceptionally to fill his gap.

Byekwaso would completely quit the airwaves for management roles at Radio Uganda until 2006 when he retired to concentrate on farming. Today, he remains one of the few authorities in football, whose knowledge and first-hand experience is unrivalled.

bzziwa@observer.ug

The author is operations director of The Observer Media Ltd.