For young amputee, no challenge is too big

Every new year comes with its own blessings. To Lawrence Kitimbo, the 25 year old head of the Uganda Amputee Soccer Federation, he has had to surmount several challenges to steer a nascent organisation.

But he has managed to stand tall.

Kitimbo born in a family of three became an amputee after getting involved in a nasty car accident at the age of 12 that claimed his younger brother. Kitimbo and his older brother survived but both had to be amputated.

The bold and positive minded Kitimbo was entrusted with the presidency of the federation through a voting process that was held at their main offices at Mulago Church road.

Due to his relentless hard work and the excellent way of execution of duties, Kitimbo has seen the amputee soccer federation get recognition Africa wise .

When he came into the race, he had originally wanted the seat of the general secretary but his elders , veterans and foreseers saw that he was capable and able to push the federation to the limelight thus asked him to contest for the presidency.

Though it has not been a smooth sailing journey, Kitimbo and his executive committee have excelled.

However Kitimbo is optimistic that 2018 will be a far much better year for the federation since its relationship with the Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD) is yielding the best fruits for the youths with disability.

He hopes next year, PWD teams shall be developed from the grassroot levels to elite teams and set up a competitive league and also spread the game to wider part of country were it is little known.

At the General Assembly of the Africa Amputee committee held in Kenya inAugust, the Ugandan federation was honoured as the most fastest growing federation on the continent.

And one of the most interesting highlight of the year was when the federation took to a one week trip to Gulu and exposed the game to the community with activities on streets and at Pece Stadium attracting huge numbers of viewers.

The federation usually holds galas between the CMRC and Kampala teams. This year's gala was held at the Star Times stadium Lugogo were team Kampala lifted the trophy after Kitimbo's winner goal in a 2-1 victory.

To Kitimbo disability is not the end of life and one doesn't need to bring it as an excuse.

Challenges faced

Kitimbo said there is fear from some amputees to take part in the game thinking that they might lose their other limbs which is not actually true.

Then the financial support like transporting the players, feeding and so on. But the best thing is when we deal with the UPDF every thing is at ease.

On the other side of the coin , we have carried out hospital visits preaching to those that have been endured permanent disability to still have hope and faith.

"Through the sport we have empowered youth and removed some from the streets and told them that they are still of great magnitude to the nation and world," he said.

The federation is hopeful that come 2019 at Africa Cup of Nations it will be able to take part in the tournament that will hosted in Angola.