Barnabas Mwesiga, a former star of the Uganda Cranes football team, has been remembered as a kind and devout sports personality who dedicated his life to both the sport he loved and his faith in God. Mwesiga, a prominent member of the Uganda Cranes team of 1978, was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Rutooma, Kashari, Mbarara District.

During the funeral, his brother, Brig. Gen. Francis Takirwa, Deputy Commander of Land Forces, described Mwesiga as a loving brother who always prioritized family unity and a close relationship with God. Mwesiga’s children, led by Pamela Aine, remembered him as a loving father who imparted valuable life lessons and instilled a strong faith in God in them.

Mwesiga, who passed away at the age of 76 on September 19 at Nsambya Hospital after a brief illness, leaves behind five children (three boys and two girls). His widow, Mary Mwesiga, informed mourners that his illness had not been prolonged but took a sudden turn for the worse on Tuesday, leading to his hospitalization.

Paul Ssali, who was the goalkeeper during the Uganda Cranes’ 2-0 loss to Ghana in the AFCON final alongside Mwesiga, represented the local football governing body, FUFA, and the remaining legends of the team. Ssali praised Mwesiga as a unifying presence on the team who worked towards unity rather than conflict. He also noted Mwesiga’s strong faith, describing him as a “pure born again” and a man of God who used sports to bring people closer to their faith.

Mwesiga had a distinguished career as a secondary school teacher in physical science and fine art. He attended Mbarara High, National Teachers College Kyambogo, and Makerere University before teaching at various schools, including Teso College Aleot, Lubiri SS, Mbarara High School, and Namuhuga Primary School, where he served as a head teacher.

In addition to his teaching career, Mwesiga was a football player and coach. He played for the Eastern Region Select Team and Nsambya FC before joining the national team in 1974. His contributions were instrumental in helping Uganda Cranes qualify for the AFCON in 1978. Mwesiga later became the coach of Uganda Cranes, serving from 1985 to 1987. He also coached several other teams, including Mbarara FC, Kilembe Mines, Coffee FC, KCC, and Dairy Corporation.

Beyond football, Mwesiga held significant roles in sports administration. He served as the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports from 1987 to 1993. Later, he joined the Sports Outreach Ministry, where he coordinated the global school ministry, continuing his dedication to both sports and faith until his passing.

Mwesiga’s death leaves only nine surviving players from the renowned 1978 Uganda Cranes side: Paul Ssali, Tom Lwanga, Hussein Matovu, Jamir Kasilye, Diku, Ashe Mukasa, Abdul Nassur, Polly Ouma, and Moses Ssentamu, along with team manager Bidandi Ssali and Dr. Mutesasira, and one Ssendawula.