Ugandas Pride

The Uganda contingent step out majestically for the National Flag hoisting ceremony

August 8; 3pm
Games opening ceremony
Yesterday
Flag hoisting at Olympic Village

By Louis Jadwong
In Beijing, China

OTHER than the hurriedly played first two stanzas of the national anthem, the flag raising ceremony yesterday showcased Uganda’s, unique, colourful and bright flag, the kanzu, gomesi and suuka.

The Chef De Mission Roger Ddungu may well consider convincing the hosts to choose to play one of the national anthem’s three stanzas in its original form, than rush through two or three of them.

The last time the national anthem played at the Olympics other than at the flag-raising ceremony in the Olympic Villages, was when John Akii-Bua won 400m hurdles gold in 1972.

The nation hopes, and, either Boniface Kiprop, Abraham Chepkirwok or Moses Kipsiro look good to have the anthem played for them — and it had better be done well.

None of the three were at the Olympic village to hear the hurriedly done first two stanzas, because they join camp next week in time for the track and field action.

At the function yesterday were four members of the Uganda team, swimmer Gilbert Kaburu, sprinter Justine Bayigga, boxer Ronald Serugo and weightlifter Mubarak Kivumbi.

They were joined by Uganda’s ambassador to China Charles Madibo Wagidoso and his wife Harriet, dressed in busuti , who joined the lone female athlete currently in camp, Bayigga. Also on the delegation were deputy head of mission Solomon Rutega, third secretary Michael Buruwaka and Florence Kemigisa, Administrative Attache.

Team Uganda, dressed in their tunics, bark-cloth hats and official blazers walked majestically as they waved flags that were specially sent to Beijing courtesy of sports fan, Aggrey Kagonyera of MTN.

The Ugandan contingent completely overshadowed Malawi, Eritrea, with the cameras all turning their focus onto them instead.
Chef De Mission Ddungu and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation head, Cheng Kai, who presided over the ceremony to welcome Uganda to the Olympic Village, exchanged gifts.

Ddungu presented a long drum and artcraft with elephant tasks and wildlife to the excited Kai.
“It was great being here. I really had a feeling that I was in Uganda and I am happy our team was very colourful and Ugandan,” ambassador Wagidoso said yesterday.

Uganda will be in the same dress at the opening ceremony at The Nest this weekend with team captain Serugo set to carry the national flag.