The Day the President was felled

BBC Photo

War Victims Day Football Game

On Sunday 30 May 2010, a football game organized by Uganda Victim’s Foundation, No Peace without Justice and African Youth Initiative Networks took place at Uganda’s national stadium at Namboole near Kampala. Entrance was free and there was musical entertainment by Uganda’s heavyweight artists.

The game was organized as one of the activities by civil society preceding the ICC Review conference to take place in Kampala May 31 to June 11 2010. The players included war victims, Uganda’s president Museveni, UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon, ICC Assembly president Christian Wenaweser, Review conference delegates, guests, NGOS, men and women.

Gates were opened at 11.00 am, but I arrived at the venue at 2.00pm. There was heavy security deplored around the stadium and at the gates. Metal detectors were at every entrance and cameras were not allowed in unless one was accredited as a pressman. I had to return my cameras (photo and video) then returned to enter without much ado. Once inside, I was accosted by rude ushers who denied me entry at the gates they were deployed to oversee, but refused to direct me where my official badge entitled me. I moved from gate to gate until I found one where there were there were no ushers.

They were still few people in the stadium. The big game was slated for 3.00pm, but it came to pass before the big men had arrived. However local artists entertained the spectators. First on the stage was H.E. the president of Ganja Republic, Bobi Wine of the firebase crew. He started the show by leading the band marching around the field. After that he went on to excite the crowd with his latest hits. Next on stage was Ragga Dee who made the victims get up and dance to his music. Peter Miles followed next and last was the heavyweight champion of music, Jose Chameleone who made his entry at 3.30 pm.

The football game started around 4.00pm. The teams were mixed men and women, old and young and corporate and local. They were made up of victims, NGO staffers, diplomats, blacks and white sportsmen and women. It was very interesting to watch the game, which did not follow strict soccer rules. Old men where falling over themselves, fat ones found it difficult to run and some got to the goalmouth with the ball only to score out!

Ragga Dee substituted one of the goalkeepers to wild applause from the terraces. He received a standing ovation when he saved a shot. Half time interval took about an hour! During the pause, The UN secretary General for Children addressed the people. Victims from Abia in Lira district entertained the crowds with singing and dancing.

At 5.40pm, the UN secretary general and president Museveni arrived at the stadium. They were already dressed in their team colours. Mr. Ban, in blue represented the "Justice" team, while President Museveni was in white and played for the "Dignity" team. The president brought in his own set of balls. He dribbled around to the excitement of the spectators. He seemed to be agile until he was tackled and he fell flat on the ground. He made an attempt at the goal, but didn’t score. However his dignity team won the match. The Excellencies played for about 10 minutes and the game ended. Both leaders addressed the people on the ICC. Mr. Ki-Moon said there would be harmony if the ICC were supported and Mr. Museveni said they were expressing solidarity with the victims and saying impunity will not be tolerated.

The aim of the match was to capitalize on World Cup euphoria sweeping across Africa in an attempt to draw attention to the cause of the victims in conflict areas.