Jimmy Kirunda is undoubtedly Uganda’s best ever footballer

What the report says

The Observer published an appreciation piece arguing that Jimmy Kizza Kirunda was Uganda’s greatest footballer. The article portrays him as an exceptionally versatile player who built a 20-year career mainly as a sweeper but also excelled in several other roles on the pitch. It says the debate over Uganda’s best player has also included names such as Phillip Omondi, Majid Musisi and Dennis Onyango, but presents Kirunda as the strongest candidate.

According to the report, Kirunda joined the Uganda Cranes in 1969 under coach Burkhard Pape and quickly became a central figure in defence. He is credited with helping Uganda win Cecafa titles, reach the 1974 and 1976 Africa Cup of Nations, and finish runners-up at the 1978 tournament. The article also highlights his long captaincy, which lasted from 1974 to 1984, and notes that he was known for discipline and for receiving only one yellow card in his career.

On the club side, The Observer says Kirunda moved to KCCA FC in 1971 after playing for Express FC, then later joined SC Villa at the end of the 1981 season. It describes him as a title-winning leader at both clubs, including Villa’s unbeaten league triumph in 1982, when he was also the team’s top scorer. The piece says this combination of leadership, scoring and adaptability set him apart in Ugandan football history.