By Our Reporter
Uganda’s top celebrities have through a football game raised support towards children with disability at the Katalemwa Cheshire Rehabilitation Centre.
The game held Monday at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo saw two teams – Team Alex Muhangi and Team Spice Diana – play a friendly game.
A number of celebrities including Eddy Kenzo, Spice Diana, John Blaq, Alex Muhangi, Rikman Manrick, DJ Roja, Pinky, Myk Ouma, Kaiyz, Mr Mosh, Maulana & Reign, Hannington Bugingo, Gareth Onyango and DJ Michael played.
Others included Kalela, Disan Galiwango, Sammy Wetala, Tony Mutengu, Musya, Melo, DJ Luidee, Abdu Wasike, Speaker Godfrey Luyombya among others.
Team Alex Muhangi won with 2 goals to nil. The goals were scored by Mustafa Kizza and Ibrahim Sadam Juma both ex-KCCA FC players.
Grammy-nominated singer, Eddy Kenzo commended the campaign, saying it is crucial for public figures to make a contribution towards society.
“It’s very important to be part of this cause. It’s a very good initiative, giving back to charity. The idea of the whole industry including the media to come together, shake hands, hug and pray for one another. It’s love and harmony,” Kenzo said after the game.
“We need to keep doing this. Collecting money and giving back to community,” added the BET award-winning singer who for the last 4 years has through his Eddy Kenzo Foundation and Big Talent Soccer Academy supported less privileged kids by giving them a platform.
On her part, Spice Diana lauded everyone that participated in the game and those that supported the cause in different ways. “It means a lot to us and the children at Katalemwa Rehabilitation Centre. Personally, I’m happy because charity is my thing. I really love to be part of anything that concerns the kids because they are the future when we are no longer active.”
The Sili Regular singer also thanked Katalemwa for the work they do in rehabilitating children with disabilities.
“Often times, children who have disability are neglected. But Katalemwa has taken the responsibility of standing with them and playing the guardian role to the children. I appeal to everyone to continue supporting Katalemwa so as to sustain the lives of these children,” Spice added.
At the game, Spice Diana delivered an assortment of items including foodstuffs and other essential items that children depend on in their daily lives.
Different celebrities and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry also contributed essential items while others made cash pledges towards the campaign.
Karole Kasita, Ally Alibhai, Shakira Shakira, producer Artin, Kheem GK, Pia Pounds, Robert Mugisha (QC) also made donations.
The campaign themed ‘Play for Hope’ was spearheaded by Alex Muhangi, Bushingtone and Miles Rwamiti among others.
Benard Ouma, the Program Manager at Katalemwa Cheshire Rehabilitation Centre expressed gratitude for the support, saying it is a big boost to the already existing efforts by the organization. “I want to thank everyone who participated in this especially Team Muhangi and Team Spice Diana. Katalemwa is a rehabilitation centre and it has been there since 1970 and it has rehabilitated so many children. We rehabilitate over 15,000 children every year,” Ouma said.
“Currently we have so many children who require surgery, food and rehabilitation. When people like you come out and support us, it means a lot to us as an organization as well as the kids. Today is no ordinary day for these children,” he said.