Police resorted to using teargas to disperse the huge crowd of mourners who had turned up for former Uganda Cranes Captain Jimmy Kirunda’s send off.
The ugly scenes happened earlier on Wednesday afternoon at the family’s ancestral home in Nature, Bulesa in Kyadondo.
This attracted a huge number of mourners that failed to adhere to the government directives about public gatherings and social distancing as the country battles with ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The burial was initially arranged to take place at 2pm but there was a program shift as it was pushed forward to mid-day.
Bright Stars coach Paul Kiwanuka who attended the burial said that some mourners were blocked from attending the burial and a few who had earlier arrived managed to escort the deceased to his final destination.
Earlier in the day, Police had setup a series of road blocks along the way from Kiwanda town in an effort to control the crowds.
ChimpReports understands that NCS General Secretary Bernard Ogwel was among those caught in the police blockade thus arrived at the burial place after the send off was concluded.
Some FUFA officials however made it in time and paid their respects including Ahmed Hussein, Ali Mwebe, Ronnie Kalema, Ali Kalyango, and Coaches like Kiwanuka, Matia Lule, Sam Ssimbwa, ex-players Tom Masiko, Geoffrey Nyola and George Mukasa.
About Jimmy Kirunda
The legendary Uganda Cranes captain and manager was been announced dead on Monday 25th May, 2020 during a routine walk near La Grande Hotel in Bwaise.
Kirunda, 70, captained the Uganda Cranes for a period of ten years, leading the team to three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 1974, 1976, and 1978.
He also won Five 5 CECAFA champions in 1969, 1970, 1973, 1976 and 1977, winning the latter two as captain.
In his club career, Kirunda played for three Uganda Premier League sides in Express (1968 – 1969), KCC (1969 – 1979) and Sports Club Villa.
His coaching career saw him manage Bell FC, Buikwe Red Stars, and Cooperatives. As Uganda Cranes national team manager, he lifted the CECAFA titles in 1989, 1990 and 1992.