President Yoweri Museveni has eulogized fallen former goal keeper Abbey Dhaira for being a devoted Ugandan and a role model to other youth through his talent.
In his message delivered by the state minister for gender, president Museveni said Dhaira held Uganda’s flag high earning the country international respect and recognition.
“Indeed Dhaira deserved being honored as a hero, who committed everything possible to ensure Uganda triumphs in soccer at regional and international level” the messageread in part.
The president challenged the youth to emulate Dhaira if his legacy would be carried forward for the good of Uganda to not only explore their talents but also exhibit the most diligent degree of discipline,
humility, Godliness and love for their country.
Heimir Halgrinsson, the national couch for Iceland where Dhaira was a player said Dhaira was a God- loving and fearing person.
“He had asked us to always give him time to pray and Dhaira has been the most disciplined, humble and obedient player we have missed” he said.
Justus Mugisha, the FUFA vice president said Uganda has lost a senior talented goal keeper at the time he was needed to mentor and guide his juniors. “Mzee Bright I also want to thank you and the family for
nurturing a disciplined son. Some players become stubborn after attaining some fame but Dhaira remained the same till his death” Mugisha said.
David Katende the assistant secretary general National council for sports hailed the government for facilitating the movement of Dhaira’s body from Iceland back to Uganda and facilitating the burial as well.
Dhaira
He was born on September 9th 1992 at Walukuba in Jinja Municipality and died on 27 March 2016 in Iceland. He was buried at Buyaga Kigandalo-Mayuge district where he bought his own land and willed to be buried there.
He attended Narambhai road primary school in Jinja town between 1994-1999 before moving to Walukuba East primary school where he completed his primary level education.
Between 2001 to 2006 he joined Jinja Senior Secondary School before turning to soccer.
He played for Jinja Hot Stars, Mbale industry football club, Express football club, Uganda Revenue Authority football club, AV Vita of Congo DRC, Simba Football club in Tanzania and IBV Foot ball club in Iceland
