After a special mass for Abel Dhaira on Monday at All Saints Church, Nakasero in Kampala, on Tuesday morning the similar function was held at All Saints Church in Walukuba, Jinja as many paid tributes to the fallen football star.
Dhaira succumbed to canceron 27th March, in Iceland.
The well attended mass was led by The Right Rev. Paul Moses Samson Neimanhe who asked FUFA to continue guiding by showing them the right path through which they can be inspirational to society the departed hero.
FUFA 1st Vice President, Justus Mugisha who attended the ceremony on behalf of the FUFA President informed the mourners that International football governing body President, Giovanni Infantino and CAF had sent in written condolence messages expressing their sorrow about the loss of the talented keeper. ‘President says they learnt of Abel Dhaira’s death in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia on their way back from a 1-0 loss against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou in the CAF Orange African Cup of Nations qualifiers’
‘This is a very trying moment for the football fraternity. We have lost a very talented goalkeeper. Dhaira a believer and a God fearing man’
Tonny Mawejje, Cranes player and one of the best friends to late Abel Dhaira was also in attendance to pay respects to his beloved friend.
The Jinja L.C V chairperson Fredrick Ngobi Guume (also Member of Parliament elect Kaliro district) was amongst the mourners.
‘Abel has been a humble boy like many of you knew him. He has been a source of inspiration to many of you. But we should not remember good people for their good deeds after they have died. In this 10th parliament I am going to advocate for sports policies where sports should be given priority’ said Guume.
Even players should be given last respects depending on their degree of contribution to the country.
Others at the mass were Jinja Mayor, Al Haji Kezala Baswale, Mayor of Iganga Municipal Council, family friends and other members of the football fraternity.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Chris Dhaira, a family member thanked FUFA, the Government, all the clubs where Dhaira played from and the football fraternity in general for the good time spent with the gallant football soldier who loved and perfected his work with passion.
From Church, the body was taken to Walukuba Tobacco playground where the Jinja Municipal Council had a seating and tabled a motion which was passed to rename the stadium Abel Dhaira.
The body was taken to Busoga Lukiko in Bugembe and later driven to Mayuge where the burial will take place on Wednesday afternoon.
Abel Dhaira, who died from cancer last month in Iceland, aged 28 will be laid to rest in Kityelela, Mayuge, Eastern part of Uganda.
In a special way, FUFA has called off the weekly pres conference held every Wednesday to allow them pay their final respects of Abel Dhaira.
UPDATED: Programme for the burial arrangements of Abel Dhaira
Friday 1st April, 2016: Casket carrying the remains of Abel Dhaira leaves Iceland for Uganda
Sunday 3rd April, 2016:
- 3.55 am: Arrival of the casket at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
- 5 am: Casket handed over to Kampala Funeral Directors, taken to Mulago Hospital
Monday 4th April, 2016:
- 10am; Church service at All Saints Church, Nakasero
- 1pm; Public viewing at Nakivubo stadium
- 4pm; Departure of the casket to Jinja
- 7pm; Arrival of casket at Abel Dhaira’s home in Walukuba
- 10pm; Body taken to the home of Abel Dhaira’s father for Night vigil in Walukuba
Tuesday 5th April, 2016
- 9am; Church service at All Saints Church, Walukuba
- Midday: Body taken to BAT Sports grounds Walukuba for public viewing
- 2pm; Body taken to the Busoga Lukiiko in Bugembe
- 4pm; Body driven to Buyaga, Kigandalo in Mayuge district for night vigil
Wednesday 6th April, 2016
- 10am; Burial ceremony commences
- 2pm; Burial
Note: Kampala Funeral Directors are managing the funeral event
May His Soul rest in Eternal Peace
