Uganda Cranes defender Murushid Juuko has said that Vipers SC President and former FUFA President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa deserves to be honoured with a statue for his contribution to Ugandan football.
During an interview with sports journalist Peta Tabu, Juuko, who is one of the many players that have gone through the systems established by Mulindwa, spoke passionately about his immense contributions to the development of football in Uganda.
“Doctor (Mulindwa) should be given his flowers when he’s still here,” Juuko said. “Because if you’re to go to all teams, right from Masaza, Regional Leagues and the Big League, you’ll find at least a player that has gone through his system,” he added.
Juuko went on to suggest that a statue should be erected at the FUFA headquarters to honour Mulindwa’s contribution.
“We should put a statue of him somewhere, maybe at the Federation (FUFA House) so that it stays there,” he said.
“For me, I give him his flowers. And the world should know that Mulindwa is a solid foundation for Ugandan football,” he added.
The former Vipers defender praised his former club president’s unwavering dedication and passion, stating that he has not seen anyone else in Ugandan football with a similar level of commitment.
“We haven’t had a person like Mulindwa here in Uganda in the football world. Although many have come and been there, we haven’t had someone like him with a passion like he has.”
The defender’s sentiments echo those of many in the Ugandan football community, who have long recognised Mulindwa’s pivotal role in shaping the sport’s landscape in the country.
Mulindwa, who served as the FUFA President for nine years from 2004 to 2013, is widely regarded as a trailblazer in Ugandan football.
During his tenure, he laid the foundation for the growth and professionalisation of the sport in the country.
In addition to his leadership at the national level, Mulindwa is also the executive director of St. Mary’s Kitende, a school that has nurtured countless talented footballers and other athletes, and also the president of the six-time champions Vipers SC and its academy.
Murushid Juuko, who went to St. Mary’s Kitende joined Vipers SC, first between 2009 and 2012 when the club was still called Bunamwaya, and his second stint in 2022.
Other notable players who have been nurtured through Mulindwa’s hands include Steven Bengo, Paul Mucureezi, Geoffrey Wasswa, Lwaliwa Halid, Alitho James, Ismail Watenga, Ibrahim Juma and Kizito Luwagga.
Muhammad Shaban, Keziron Kizito, Mike Mutyaba, Nicholas Wadada, Dan Birikwalira , Siraje Sentamu, Farouk Miya and Godfrey Walusimbi are also among Lawrence Mulindwa’s products.
