By Alan Mwesigwa
The sports community in Kagadi is in deep mourning following the passing of Ali Mawejje, a dedicated goalkeeper for Kagadi United Football Club and a cherished coach at Kagadi Academy SS.
Known affectionately as “Coach Bebe,” Mawejje’s life was tragically cut short after collapsing during the Corporate Games in Fort Portal on Saturday.
Mawejje, a prominent figure in both Kagadi United Football Club and the local sports development scene, passed away at Kabarole Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since the incident.
Reports indicate that Mawejje collapsed during the games last Saturday and was immediately rushed to the hospital. Despite initial signs of recovery, he succumbed at around 10 PM.
Geoffrey Kurabako, a close friend, shared that Mawejje had been responding well to treatment but was struggling with low blood pressure. “Ali was doing well on medication, but his low blood pressure might have worsened after he fainted during the corporate games.
It’s heartbreaking to lose him so soon, especially when he was such a valuable figure in the sports fraternity,” Kurabako said.
In a poignant audio recording shared on social media, Mawejje, speaking from his hospital bed, expressed a desire to step away from football to focus on his family and other ventures.
“If God gives me another chance, I want to quit football, including coaching, to concentrate on my family and more productive activities,” he said. Tragically, he did not get that second chance.
Stephen Rurekere, a sports enthusiast in Kagadi, described Mawejje as a cheerful and inspiring personality.
“We will deeply miss Bebe. His solidarity and football techniques were crucial for the district’s sports development. He was a role model for the younger generation,” Rurekere said.
Mawejje, who was fondly known as Bebe Ali, leaves behind two children and a widow. He will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Mambugu Cell, Mambugu Ward, Kagadi Town Council, Kagadi District.
His death comes just weeks after another sportsman from Kagadi, referee Peter Kabugo, collapsed and died while officiating a match at Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, Kampala.
Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/sports/232539/kagadi-goalkeeper-mawejje-dies-days-after-pitch-collapse
