The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | LOUIS JADWONG & ISMAEL KIYONGA | So many stories are told of what happens when sportspersons retire from their childhood passion; very little is actually done to change the story and bring back a smile to legends who gave their all to bring joy to their country. Instead, they often face daunting loneliness, grappling with the loss of purpose and identity that once defined them.
It is a subject veteran sports administrator, coach and former Uganda Cranes and KCCA football player Mujib Kasule can eloquently talk about for 24 hours non-stop.
For over a decade, he has been one of the leading advocates for a change in the status quo in Ugandan sport. His call has been that it is essential to create supportive communities and programs that celebrate contributions of Uganda’s sportspersons, while helping them transition into new chapters of their lives.
“Sports is more than sports. In football we say it is more than a game and we need to create awareness about this,” Mujib Kasule said Thursday at the Legends Rugby Ground at Lugogo where the launch of the second edition of the Legends Marathon was held.
He explained why former sportsmen have a fear to reach out for help, or do not even know what to do to get help nor know their potential beyond sport. ” We need someone to tell us that there is life after sports. That is why I am happy to be here and endorse the Legends Marathon which is an initiative to look at the wellbeing of people in sports, especially after the glory days are over.”
He concluded his speech, with one of many sad stories, stressing that for Ugandan sport to grow, it needs to put in place and support structures for upcoming and future players, current players and former players.
“One of Uganda’s football legends Obadia Semakula has been moving aimlessly in the streets of Kampala for the last six months. Much as people recognized him, there was no one in the entire country ready to help – even the football federation and the clubs he played for. Finally, us who played the game, said, ‘he is one of our own’ and took action,” Kasule said.
“When we are playing, we are strong and some people think we are superhuman. But when in retirement, we are lonely and that more than hurts and has affected many colleagues mentally.”
What the Legends Marathon is about?
“The Legends Marathon is more than just a race – it’s a movement. Our vision is to build a legacy where every athlete, whether retired, active, or aspiring, finds opportunities beyond their sporting career,” said journalist Andrew Mwanguhya, the event proprietor.
The second edition of the Legends Marathon scheduled for April 13 has received endorsement from some of the biggest names in Uganda sports.
On Thursday as it was launched, legends that included among others Kasule, former KCCA captain, Ganzi Mugula, the 2012 Uganda Olympics Team Captain, 3-time Common Wealth medalist and Olympian Moses Kipsiro, ex-Cricket captains Davis Karashani and Naome Kayondo, Rugby star Alex Mubiru and ex-Crested Cranes player Majidah Natanda were all available and had kind words for the event.
The 2025 edition that will feature 42km, 21km, 10km, and a 5km fun run has also got more partners on board that are willing and ready to offer help to athletes in order to keep them relevant.
The partners include Crown Beverages (Official Hydration Partner) Kaynela Farms (Modern Farming Education), Safe Places (Mental Health & GBV Support), Stanbic Business Accelerator (Entrepreneurship Training), Legends Rugby Grounds (Official Venue Partner) and The Moves (Branding Partners).
Catherine Poran, CEO of Stanbic Business Accelerator, announced a special offer for athletes: “We are proud of what The Legends Marathon has started. Under our Stanbic Business Accelerator, we will provide athletes with entrepreneurship training to help them transition beyond their sporting careers. We will conduct a needs assessment to understand what support each athlete requires and work closely with The Legends Marathon to deliver it.”
Janet Katana of Safe Places emphasized the need for mental health support while active and in post-sport life, revealing plans to introduce: “A sports-centric mental health module and a special program dedicated to the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Daniel Mubeezi of Kaynela Farms praised The Legends Marathon’s commitment to supporting athletes in their transition, adding: “At Kaynela, we resonate with this vision. We specialize in organic and modern farming, and we look forward to equipping athletes with agricultural skills that can provide an alternative source of income. We’re also excited to host them at our farm for the full agro-tourism experience.”
What the other legends said
Alex Mubiru (RUGBY): “I urge the athletes to embrace that there is life after sports before we can even do the life after sports.”
Noame Kayondo (CRICKET): “Some athletes are overwhelmed with life and lack of recognition makes them feel they don’t matter and end up in depression.”
Davis Karashani (CRICKET): “I want to thank Andrew for carrying the weight and providing hope where everyone would have waited for government intervention.”
Magida Natanda (FOOTBALL): “This is a very good idea that I urge all legends to embrace. In fact, Safe Places had given hope to Willy Kyambadde (RIP) before he died. On Kaynela Farms, I want them to re-ignite the idea of involving in agriculture that former goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba had tried to encourage former footballers.”
▶ You can secure your ticket to be part of the event via THIS LINK with 50,000 Ugx and 150,000 Ugx for ordinary and VIP respectively.
