Mwesiga: Remembering an unsung hero 

Barnabas Mwesiga, a legendary figure in Ugandan football, passed away on September 19, 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spans decades.

He may not have been a household name, but his contributions to the sport and his journey from adversity to acclaim make his story a compelling one. Here is an abridged version of his profile I did in 2010.

Born on Christmas Eve in 1947 to Stanley and Samalie Muhekyera in Rutooma, Kashaari, Mwesiga’s football talent remained hidden during his early education at Isingiro and Rutooma primary schools, mainly due to his diminutive size.

Even at Mbarara High School, luck seemed to elude him until an injury to his right toe forced him to hone his skills with his left foot. In 1967, Mwesiga enrolled at Kyambogo National Teachers College (now Kyambogo University), pursuing a diploma in Mathematics, Physics and Fine Art.

Despite the college’s unremarkable football team, Mwesiga’s deadly left foot attracted attention, including that of Nsambya FC player Kagugube.

NSAMBYA FC AND RISING STAR

Kagugube’s invitation to Nsambya FC changed the course of Mwesiga’s career. He faced the challenge of competing with John Baptist Semanobe, one of Uganda’s best left-wingers at the time. Semanobe’s versatility led to a shift to midfield, opening the door for Mwesiga to shine.

His ability to maneuver and take shots in tight situations, coupled with his pace, made him unstoppable. Nsambya FC’s promotion to the first division in 1975 marked a turning point. Mwesiga, along with Alphonse Mukanga, Leo Adraa and Semanobe, formed a formidable attacking quartet that left their mark on the league.

NATIONAL TEAM JOURNEY

Mwesiga’s national team journey began in 1971 when he was called up to the youth team and shortly after, the senior side. His left-wing prowess provided a cutting edge and defensive stability.

In 1975, his role in the Afcon qualifier against Zambia, where he helped secure a 3-0 victory, stands out. This win qualified Uganda for the 1976 Afcon held in Ethiopia. While his academic pursuits briefly took him away from the game, Mwesiga returned to the national team, playing a pivotal role in the 1978 Cecafa Senior Championships.

In the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ghana, he played a crucial part in Uganda’s journey to the final.

COACHING AND BEYOND

In the later years of his career, Mwesiga transitioned to coaching, making a name for himself at clubs like Kilembe FC and Mbarara. His success led to his appointment as the head coach of the Uganda Cranes in 1985, where he had notable encounters with teams like Cameroon and Zambia.

In April 1988, Mwesiga’s tenure as the national team coach came to an end, but his passion for the sport persisted. He continued his involvement in club football until 1983 when an injury led to his retirement.

Mwesiga’s journey from obscurity to the heart of Ugandan football, his contributions to the national team, and his dedication to coaching make him an unsung hero whose impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

Mwesiga fact file

As a player, he won the 1973 & 1977 Cecafa tournaments with The Cranes and one Uganda Cup medal with Nsambya FC (1978).

• He played one Africa Cup of Nations (1978) and featured in three matches. He also played for Kilembe FC and Mbarara FC.
•  He coached Uganda Cranes from 1985 to 1988.
•  During his time (1985-1988), Uganda Cranes didn’t lose a home match. Cranes beat Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Somalia, Ethiopia and Rwanda.
• On club level, he handled Kilembe, Mbarara, Nsambya, Dairy, KCC and Coffee.

•  He was one of the directors of Sports Outreach Ministry (a Christian NGO) dealing with the youth in sports.
•  He is survived by wife Mary Mwesiga and five children.

bzziwa@observer.ug