Most of the eulogies about him revolved around his forthrightness, good journalism and as an elder. However, little has come to light about his integral role in Ugandan football, such as sports commentary on the airwaves of Radio Uganda. I got to know Nsereko in the 1970s when he often acted as a master of ceremonies during Muslim functions and later relaying football matches at Nakivubo stadium.
He was versatile and always on top of each assignment. At Radio Uganda, he was also a newsreader, political talk-show host and presented a music parade on the Red channel. Nsereko was also witty and humourous, and his lively jokes always kept the listeners lively. He used his expertise in journalism to mentor several budding journalists who sought his advice.
On a personal note, he was a down-to-earth person who mixed freely with people of all statures. This is evidenced by the mammoth crowd that attended his burial at Kalika, Nama, in Mukono. They included several top politicians, religious leaders, professionals and ordinary folks.
RISING TO FAME
Before 1973, local sports events were relayed only in English. That is how we got to know the likes of Mike Sebalu, Charles Byekwaso, Kigongo Kiremera and Francis Ojia.
There was concern about the locals who did not understand the Queen’s language. The government accepted and added Kiswahili, paving way for the likes of Andrew Wasaka Musoke and Idi Amani Kaye to come on board. Still, the problem was not solved because few sports lovers understood Kiswahili. In 1974, Luganda, Runyoro-Rutooro, and Runyankore-Rukiga (RR) were also added to the menu.
This is how Nsereko and Dick Mulima Sempaka also came on board and started relaying sports events in Luganda. The two men were at the top of their jobs and kept the pace set by RR commentators Yosamu Rugundana and Dan Byobyonka. Nsereko articulated both English and Luganda well, something that spiced up his commentary.
So, on several occasions, Nsereko could relay events in both languages. After 1979 when Baker Kajubi Kaggwa and later David Matovu and Nkugwa joined the Luganda crew, they lifted the burden off Nsereko, who now settled for presenting sports shows.
TIME AT KCCA COUNCIL
Aside from his broadcasting work, Nsereko became to be known for his role as government’s official emcee at public functions. He was always a standout during events at Kololo airstrip (now Kololo ceremonial grounds) and his deep voice was synonymous with such occasions.
From a sporting perspective, he remained a football enthusiast and rooted for Express FC. However, when he joined KCC as speaker, he greatly lobbied to increase the sports budget for the institution.
At the time, KCCA FC was getting the lion’s share of the small sports budget, but with the help of Nsereko, other institutional disciplines like netball, volleyball and boxing had their financial support increased. In the 1990s, Nsereko kept a low profile in sports, and spent most of his time cementing his political profile. He later abandoned politics to return to UBC on a contractual basis.
So, in Nsereko’s demise, we will miss a football enthusiast with immense journalistic knowledge.
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