The Federation of Uganda Football Associations regrets to announce the death of one of our referees, Ssebunya David who passed on this Monday morning from Mulago hospital. He has been in service since 1997.
Ssebunya 29, was part of the referees who underwent the fitness test on Friday at Mandela National Stadium-Namboole. Official records at Mengo indicate that the deceased completed all the six sprints that cover 240 meters in total. His best sprint was recorded at 5 seconds and 92 micro seconds. The results for all the six sprints were 5.92, 5.96, 6.07, 6.06, 6.11 and 6.13.
He later embarked on the twelve laps in an exercise that was supervised by retired FIFA referee Mohammed Ssegonga. He looked very fit and determined to complete the dozen laps but unfortunately, with just one lap to an end, he leaped off the lane! He was shortly taken to the nearby clinic but later discharged. He reportedly returned home and there were signs of quick recovery.
His death took us by surprise this morning because we had reports that he was getting better. According to family sources, Ssebunya’s condition worsened Sunday night and was rushed to Mulago hospital from where he took his last breathe. By press time, the federation had not received details of his death. The body was still lying in the mortuary as we waited waited for a postmortem report.
As FUFa, we have lost a committed young referee and we send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the entire sports family. The Federation will join the family for a descent send off. Burial details will be communicated later but scanty information indicates that he will be laid to rest this Tuesday, 2:00pm at Nabusugwe in Namugongo. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
ROGERS MULINDWA
HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS, FUFA
