Ugandan kickboxing legend Moses Golola has called on the government to give sports the attention and recognition it deserves, especially in honouring the efforts and sacrifices of the country’s athletes.
The outspoken sportsman, who has been the face of Ugandan kickboxing since 2011, made the remarks after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Real Star Monthly Sports Awards held in Kampala.
The award recognised his immense contribution to the sport, including helping it gain popularity nationwide and defeating notable opponents such as Umar Ssemata, Andreas Naggy, Titus Tugume, and Abu Kikenywa.
Golola used the platform to voice his disappointment over what he sees as a lack of government support for sports.
“I also want to dine in State House,” Golola said. “But it’s a pity that the government has not fully supported and appreciated Uganda sportsmen,” Golola is quoted as saying by SportsNation.
He went on to contrast the treatment of athletes with that of politicians.
“You always hear of MPs being awarded with Shs 100 million and more. Those are people who represent just a constituency. For us, we always represent the whole country at large.”
Golola, who is known not only for his in-ring bravado but also for his charismatic public personality, highlighted how athletes play a crucial role in raising Uganda’s profile internationally.
“Uganda is not known to the world, and you have a lot of explaining to do about where Uganda is when you meet someone abroad. But we, as athletes, we have tried to do a good job of raising the national flag high.”
Despite his frustrations, Golola emphasized that his remarks were not meant to be confrontational.
“I think I am not a threat to the government because I have never come out to abuse anyone in power. Those who have abused the government have been brought closer and are now doing well.”
He also expressed concern for the youth who look up to athletes as role models, yet struggle to find opportunities in the sports sector due to limited support.
“We have always urged the youths to concentrate and up their talent, that it will give them food, but that hasn’t been possible because government hasn’t done enough.”
Other winners at the April edition of the Real Star Awards included James Bogere for football, Lydia Namabiro in rugby, and Eunice Awori for her performance in kabaddi sport.
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