Special Feature on Uganda Cranes Bus Driver, Ahmed Kabali
Symbolic of the gentleman comfortably seated behind the wheels of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) bus is a flashy smile.
It is his trademark worn label, a common feature that many will in unison agree.
Since 2010, when Ahmed Kabali commenced the FUFA Bus driving responsibilities, he has never looked back.
Ahmed Kabali proudly talks about his job in line ;
I enjoy my job at FUFA. Football is part of my daily menu that even makes the job more enticing
Kabali is quick to comment of the recent Uganda Sand Cranes journey he embarked on which he tags ‘Historic’.
Ahmed Kabali was comfortably behind the wheels as the Uganda Sand Cranes traveled to Zanzibar, covering a distance of over 3000 KM – to and from.
The Journey to Zanzibar was the longest I have covered as a driver at FUFA and in fact my whole life. Perhaps, I enjoyed it to perfection
Kabali remarks.
Ahmed Kabali being thanked by the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) Chairman, Deo Mutabazi after the return journey from Zanzibar
He has previously covered another relatively long journey as the Uganda U-17 team (Uganda Cubs) traveled from Kampala, through Kabale via Kigali to the Lake Kivu town of Rubavu.
Early Life:
Born 42 years ago to Bumbakali Ssebowa Kabali and Mary Nanozzi (unfortunately both deceased), Kabali Junior is the 9th born in a relatively extensive family of 19.
He grew up in Kitagobwa, Butambala in Bulo County of Mpigi District and was as naughty as the name stands.
I was loved by all my family members because the numerous short stories I told were very exciting
The proud father of 9 adds.
Vast Driving Experience:
Kabali harbors a 25 year’s driving experience since he was 17 years old when his turn boy duties at Nsamba and Sons Limited in 1989.
Two years down the road, he started to drive on his own and up to-date, he has never looked back.
The early years like any beginning were experimental but I eventually made the much needed break through” the Nsangi resident along Masaka Road narrates his humble beginnings.
In 1996, Kabali, made that million dollar transfer to work with his Uncle William Ssenganda.
Back then Ssenganda , who was the Brunno and Sons CEO lured loved Kabali’s workaholic attitude and recruited him at his Mengo based firm.
After a 2 years’ time lag, It wasn’t long then when he again transferred – this time to work with the Isuzu Kampala company.
12 months later, Kabali trended the Entebbe road route – but he was to drive in a small vehicle – the taxi, where he worked with Ahmed Kalanzi (former Uganda Cranes bus driver) and Bumbakali Ssendo.
FUFA comes calling:
Kabali started to drive the FUFA Bus in the year 2010 following the illness of Ahmed Kalanzi (later died) before he took full responsibility to date.
I have loved all the FUFA administrators, Staff, footballers and the media for the support thus far. May be it is obvious without their support, I would not be here now. I am very happy at my job and I earn just enough for my survival and family support
He confesses to www.fufa.co.ug.
Challenges:
Like many jobs elsewhere, challenges are always inclined therein.
Kabali’s job is no exceptional.
Many a times, he has always felt there sections of people working tooth and nail to bring him down at his most treasured job.
Sometime back, someone said, the Cranes Bus was being used for public transport but the truth came out eventually, there is a bus company (Crane Bus Limited) similar to the Uganda Cranes Bus. I cannot risk to indulge in such business
He adds.
Ahmed Kabali being acknowledged by Deo Mutabazi at Kati Kati restaurant shortly after the Uganda Sand Cranes returned from Zanzibar
By and large, Ahmed Kabali is happily married and committed to his job and promises to serve to the best of his ability.
Ahmed Kabali Unplugged:
Date of Birth: 10th October 1972
Parents: Bumbakali Ssebowa Kabali and Mary Nanozzi
Place of Birth: Kitagobwa, Butambala, Bulo, Mpigi
Family: 8 children [Oldest is Mariam Nandawula Kabali, now in vacation (S.6 ) at Nsanji S.S and Youngest is Jamilu Bunya in P.2 at Haninah Nursery and Primary School]
Best Uganda Cranes players: Simeon Masaba, Geofrey Massa, Farouk Miya and Yunus Sentamu,
Best Dish: Matooke & Chicken with Soda Coke
Teams Supported: KCC F.C (Uganda) & Arsenal (English Premier League)
What Others Say About Ahmed Kabali:
Asuman Lubowa (FUFA Technical Director):
He is a hard working gentleman and a great time keeper.
Ahmed Hussein (FUFA Spokesperson):
Dedicated gentleman in his line of duty. He is also friendly as he usually chips in with his hilarious jokes.
Deo Mutabazi (Uganda Beach Soccer Association Chairman):
I have never seen such a committed gentleman as the Uganda Cranes bus driver
Richard Kassagga (Uganda Cranes and KCC F.C defender):
Hajji (Kabali) is a down to earth driver and always telling jokes as with the players while in camp. He never gets annoyed.
Edgar Watson (FUFA CEO):
Ahmed Kabali loves his work than nothing else. We are proud of him because he is a hard working member of the FUFA Secretariat.
MAIN PHOTO: Ahmed Kabali, Uganda Cranes Bus Driver
PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department
