The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Saddened by the death of Abel Dhaira, sports officials dressed in black paid their last respects Monday during a requiem service at All Saints Church Nakasero.
Minister of State of Sports, Charles Bakkabulindi said, “Uganda has built a strong team of goal keepers. Abel one of them, was good at penalties and this should be emulated to develop skills among upcoming talent.”
He saluted Dhaira’s excellence for the immediate response he took for the travel arrangements to bring the body of the deceased during his absence.
At the requiem mass Rev. John Musa Lakor. Rev Lakor said, “success is measured by what we achieve in the days lived, not the number of days lived the congregation.”
“Lets’ think about what is praise worthy and positive rather than the negative. We only think of the loss of a great one but let’s hold to the legacy with a willing perspective in life. He recited 2Timonthy 4:7 and encouraged a good fight to run the race.”
Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) President Moses Magogo said, “Abel lived a fruitful life as a true professional because it’s hard to find a footballer acting as a professional. At the end of May, Mexico City will add Abel on the list among the credible footballers that the world has lost. The institution contributed 5million towards the funeral arrangements.” Also National Council of Sports contributed 1million.
The Lord Mayor Elect, Elias Lukwago humbly gave his condolence message and called upon the congregation to fight against cancer.
Dhaira’s uncle representing family gave a word of thanks to FUFA, President Yoweri Museveni, doctors and others who had contributed any support to Dhaira.
I have received the sad news of the passing of our Ug Cranes goalkeeper Abel Dhaira who succumbed to cancer in Iceland. He’s gone too soon!
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) March 28, 2016
“He suffered a lot of pain and went to seek better medical facilities from Iceland. Thereafter he succumbed to abdominal cancer on 27th March 2016. Before the government intervened, Iceland has proposed to cremate his body and bring ashes due to lack of financial stability of the family.
“We have lost talent, a good friend and entertainer. He has been providing support to his sibling’s education Musa and Eric, an upcoming talent however Musa had to apply for a dead year when Abel fell ill. Please stay with us even after the burial on Wednesday.”
After service, the body was taken to Nakivubo for public viewing.
The deceased was born to Bright Dhaira and Nakijoba Harriet on 9th September 1987 in Walukuba village, Jinja. He was the third in six siblings. He won 3 CECEFA titles (2009, 2011, 2012), the best player in 2008 and first Ugandan goal keeper to play in a European soccer League.
Burial programme
Tuesday 5th April, 2016
9 am: Church service at All Saints Church, Walukuba
Midday: Body taken to BAT Sports grounds Walukuba for public viewing
2pm; Body taken to the Busoga Lukiiko in Bugembe
4pm; Body driven to Buyaga, Kigandalo in Mayuge district for night vigil
Wednesday 6th April, 2016
10am; Burial ceremony commences
2pm; Burial
