Afcon kept you busy. How was it?
Yes, it was a busy month, but finally came to an end. Afcon has been exciting; full of flair and energy. I was pleased with the performance of some underdogs such as The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea, yet big names like Algeria got out quickly.
Which team were you supporting?
Initially, I was for Nigeria, because they looked organized, but I later changed to Burkina Faso [Sadly, Burkina Faso lost 1:3 to Senegal at the semi-finals.]
Have you worked for other media houses outside UBC?
I joined UBC in 2007 and also worked for its sister radio stations, Magic 100 FM and UBC radio. My TV career started as a sports guest at Record TV. I have also got gigs with Kwese TV and Azam TV. I owe a lot to them.
Who coined your nickname “Usual Suspect”?
I got this at Kyambogo University. We were very naughty lads and whenever there was a strike, I was the first culprit. So, university officials always said: “The usual suspect is Otai; look for him first.” That’s where the name came from and I like it, anyway.
What inspired you to choose sports over other beats?
Since childhood, I have been a passionate sportsperson. I started with football in primary, then [track and field] and also represented Kampala district in school competitions. I later joined volleyball and handball. When I joined campus, I fell in love with being a cheerleader and got more engraved in sports.
Who mentored you into sports commentary?
When Paul Kiiwa Katna led me into Magic 100 FM in 2007, he nurtured me into the commentary. He gave me a platform and I thank him.
Thereafter, the late James Opoka polished me to another level. I also give credit to the late Bbaale Francis for the endless guidance. Whenever I made mistakes on air, he would walk to me, look into my face, and tell me not to speak English like villagers.
How do you keep up with the fast pace on air?
The pace on TV and radio is different. For radio, when you are too slow, you bore people unlike on TV where one needs to calm down. So, it’s all about spicing the commentary and making people enjoy the game.
What teams do you support locally and internationally?
I am an ardent follower of Arsenal even when we are not doing well, lately. Locally, I won’t lie that I support any team because I can only passionately support a team where I come from. I would happily support a team from Soroti or Aloet. However, I have a small, soft landing on Vipers SC.
And the players…?
Growing up, everyone looked up to Sadiq Wassa, Jackson ‘Miya Miya’ Mayanja but my overall best locally was Majid Musisi. In the current Uganda Premier League, there are good players but they need to do a lot more to reach the likes of Musisi.
Internationally, Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu was magical. I am not a fan of Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, and the like, because they have made a name. So, I have no best player internationally for now.
Do you also take sides while commentating?
Uh, no! Professionally, you are not supposed to attach a feeling to a game. Even if you are an Arsenal fan, you are not supposed to take sides. On the radio, some Arsenal fans think I support Man United when the two are playing. Even if your team wins, you are supposed to celebrate off air.
Which sports commentator do you look up to?
I liked John Champion, but Peter Drury is now a hot cake.
How far with the assault case in which you sued Gen Matayo Kyaligonza?
[On February 24, 2019, Otai filmed Rtd Maj. Gen Matayo Kyaligonza and his bodyguards while manhandling a female traffic officer in Seeta, Mukono. In the video that went viral, the trio also turned on him. He sued Kyaligonza and the guards for assault and seeks Shs 340m in compensation.]
That was a crazy day but we are still in court. The general has been summoned several times to court but does not show up.
The case is still at the High court, but unfortunately, we have not set a date. We were supposed to meet in March last year but Covid set in and to date, we have never been called back. Surprisingly, he has been appointed an ambassador to Burundi, but we, together with the traffic officer who has been posted to Masaka, are still pursuing this.
Your eloquence is unmatched. What makes you tick?
The people that I serve. I am one kind that wants to give 100 per cent while on air because you don’t know who is watching and listening to you. I keep telling friends that when you get a job, love it. So, love and passion make me tick.
Best and worst moment on radio and TV…
My worst moment on TV came while commentating on the Azam UPL match between Bright Stars and Onduparaka in 2017. On this day, doctors at Mulago were on strike when my mother called at half-time to inform me that my dad was unwell.
Professionally, it’s not allowed to pick calls but we were in the middle of the broadcast during the second half when mum called again and told me they failed to get a doctor and that dad had passed on.
I’m so sorry about that. What followed?
I froze and tears started rolling down my cheeks. My co-presenter Phiona was co-commentating, but she knew all was not well. She pointed at the clock to signal me that [it was] 75 minutes played and asked me to finish the game.
I held the microphone but one could easily notice the change in my voice. Luckily, I finished the commentary and rushed to the morgue at Mulago where I picked him up that evening.
Oh dear! There must be some good moments, though.
The best time ever is when I commentated live on TV the Uganda ex-players against their Brazilian star counterparts at Nakivubo stadium.
Tell Quick Talk about your family and educational background
I am born to the late John Eyalu, the first industrial engineer in Uganda, and Jane Aecho, a retired nurse. I come from a family of six but I lost three siblings.
I went to St Andrew’s nursery school in Bukoto and City primary school, Kololo (P1-P7), and Premier High School in Ntinda (S1-S6). I joined Kyambogo University for a degree in Management Science. After graduation, I went back to Kyambogo for a post-graduate diploma in Physical Education and Sports Science. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Science.
Who’s the lucky woman behind the sports guru?
Hahahaha… I will keep her out of this, but we have a young son, Patrick. I will nurture him to replace me. We are a happy small family.
Any hobbies?
I love watching movies, listening to dancehall and reggae music, and watching any kind of sports. I grew up listening to Bebe Cool’s music but I have since fallen in love with Azawi. Abroad, it’s Konshens for me.
If you were appointed Fufa president….
The first thing I’d do is to empower local clubs. Those clubs are currently under the shadow of Fufa and it’s the reason why they are suffering.
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