Former Simba FC and Uganda Cranes captain Polly Ouma who died at Nsambya hospital aged 83 was an influential figure in Uganda’s football- whose service to the game spanned decades as a player, coach and administrator.
Ouma was one of the most respected players in his generation that also included big names like the late Phillip Omondi, John Dibya, Dennis Obua among others.
His goal in the 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion in 1968 when the British side played against East Africa select at Nakivubo stadium is one of the historic moments he will be remembered for.
In an exclusive interview with local media, Ouma revealed how they were spotted to go and join West Bromwich Albion but their coach Balamaze Lwanga, who was also the Federation of Uganda football associations (FUFA) President then refused to let them go.
“He said that those guys were going to use us as slaves and we did not want to be used as slaves. That is how we missed out on playing professional football,” he narrated.
Ouma captained Simba FC to their CAF Champions league final in 1972 where they lost 7-4 on aggregate against Hafia Conakry of Guinea. The feat came after he led Simba to their maiden league title in 1971.
Ouma was part of the generation that made it to the Afcon final in 1978 where they lost 2-0 to Ghana.
Of the 22-man squad to the 1978 AFCON, five players came from Ouma’s Simba FC while 11 players came from KCC FC. Nsambya FC and Uganda commercial bank contribute two and one player respectively.
Uganda opened their campaign with a 3–1 victory over Congo Brazzaville. But in that match, Polly Ouma suffered an injury that ruled him out for the rest of the tournament.
He also helped Uganda win the 1973, 1976 and 1977 Cecafa titles before delivering Simba FC their second league title in 1978.
Ouma, who was living in Kitintale with his family, was a captain in Simba FC, Uganda Cranes and also a Captain in the national army rank. He however sadly told the media that he only got Shs2.2m in gratuity for his 15 years of service in the national army.
Tribute:
Born on 21st January, 1942, Ouma started his football career as a toddler in Bumunji villa- Busia
He went to Busiho and Busia primary schools, Manjasi and St Bernard College, St Henry’s Kitovu, and Old Kampala SS where Coffee FC got him from.
He featured for Nsambya Old Timers, Coffee FC and Simba FC which became his all-time home.After retiring from playing, Ouma moved into coaching and went on to shape one of the most memorable periods in Cranes history. He served as head coach from 1988 to 1994, driven by a strong desire to give back to the game.
In 1989, he guided Uganda to a historic CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup triumph in Nairobi, ending a 28 year wait for regional success. A year later, he led the team to defend the title in Tanzania, a period widely regarded as a turning point that restored belief and confidence in Ugandan football.
Ouma coached in Kenya and SC Villa in Uganda where he delivered Jogoos first double in 1986 and first CECAFA club championship in 1987.
He was appointed Uganda cranes head coach in 1989, replacing Robert Kiberu and delivered Uganda’s first Cecafa title in 12 years before repeating the feat in 1990 and 1992.
Ouma was also known for his role as a mentor. Several of Uganda’s most celebrated players, including Majid Musisi, Paul Hasule and Jackson Mayanja, developed under his guidance. His influence extended beyond tactics, with many former players crediting him for instilling discipline, hunger and self belief.
He was also the team manager for Uganda Kobs that reached the All Africa Games semifinals in 1999.
The late Oumacaptained Uganda Cranes (1972-1974), featured in 3 Afcon (1968, 1976 & 1978). He also coached Ug. Cranes (1989-1995).
His service to the game continued off the pitch. Between 2005 and 2009, Ouma served as a FUFA vice president under Dr Lawrence Mulindwa, contributing to football administration during a key period for the sport in Uganda.
