Gen Kainerugaba Hails The Smack League For Promoting Solidarity, Fitness

The Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has commended the St Mary's College Kisubi (SMACK) league for promoting solidarity, and healthy lifestyles among the old boys of the school, adding that the league reminds him of his time as a student. 

The General who is an Old Boy of the school says the SMACK league is like one big happy family that reminds him of fond memories of his time in high school between 1988 – 1992.

"It is always an honour for me whenever I am invited for events of this nature, especially as concerns SMACK - which is like one big happy family. It always reminds me of very fond memories of my time in high school many years ago, a period of time which ultimately shaped many of us into what we are today and turned us into one big lovely family as this occasion ably testifies," Gen Kainerugaba said in a message read for him by Brig Gen Johnson Namanya who represented him at the SMACK League Season Four finals at the Legends Rugby Grounds Lugogo on Sunday.

Gen Kainerugaba noted that the strong sense of solidarity is visible for all to see, without a doubt.

Apart from the unity and solidarity, Gen Kainerugaba said that the SMACK league has provided "a wonderful opportunity for members, friends and family to keep fit and healthy. We do not take this contribution lightly."

The General cited recent studies that show that over 100,000 Ugandans die from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) annually, representing a whopping 35% of the total annual deaths in the country. He further added that globally, NCDs are also a leading cause of death, representing 63% of all annual deaths, according to recent World Health Organisation data.

He said that although some of the NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma come up due to genetic conditions, "the majority of the cases are by far due to individual unhealthy lifestyles - lifestyles initially more closely associated with the middle and upper income economies, but now establishing a foothold in rapidly growing economies like Uganda." 

He explained that the above is the reason the President launched a campaign last year at Kololo to help tackle this problem which he said is increasingly affecting more and more Ugandans.

READ MORE: SMACK Old Boys Relive Memories at Reunion Dinner, Hail Gen Kainerugaba

"As you can see, therefore, the SMACK league is one timely intervention in this regard," Gen Kainerugaba said, adding that "I encourage more young people to join sports programs such as this, but also others sports disciplines and clubs in boxing, athletics, netball, rugby and others. We will do what it takes on our part to support you."

Brig Gen Namanya who is the Commissioner Citizenship and Passport Control used the occasion to send a message to Ugandans, urging them to apply for new passports.

Brig Namanya said all old passports will be phased on January 15, 2021, as decided by East African Presidents.

“Old passports are going to be phased on January 15, 2021, and we will all be required to use the new e-passports,” he noted.

Brig Namanya handed over the trophy to team Alqs having obtained the highest number of points. Several teams and individual particiapnts walked away with various accolades for fair play, most goals scored, most valuable player among others. 

The colourful event was crowned by fireworks and music performances by Winnie Nwagi.