Abel Dhaira’s funeral: Church service held, Public views body at Nakivubo Stadium

There was a special requiem mass for former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Abel Dhaira on Monday morning at All Saints Church, Nakasero in Kampala.

The mass was led by Rev. John Musana Lakor who preached about love, exemplary and pure living in society.

The day’s Master of Ceremony, FUFA Super League Board Chairman Arinaitwe Rugyendo, also  one of the five members of the Abel Dhaira burial committee named by the FUFA Emergency committee guided the gathering in an orderly manner throughout the service.

FUFA President, Eng Moses Magogo informed the mourners that FIFA President, Giovanni Infantino and CAF had sent in written condolence messages expressing sorrowfulness about Dhaira’s death.

‘We learnt of Abel Dhaira’s death on the way from Burkina Faso after the AFCON 2017 qualifier. It was a very trying moment for all of us. We have missed a very talented and sincere footballer. The FIFA President, Giovanni Infantino has sent in a special condolence message to us and the family of Dhaira’ Eng. Magogo.

Eng. Magogo also hinted of dedicating the ongoing AFCON 2017 qualification to Abel Dhaira.

The mass was also attended by Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic, Uganda Cranes player  Tonny Mawejje, FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson and other FUFA staff and Executive members-VP Justus Mugisha, Sam Mpiima and Sam Lwere.

Minister of state for Sports Hon. Charles Bakabulindi represented the Government and appreciated the generosity of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni towards all the assistance to transport the body of Dhaira from Iceland where he died back to Uganda for a decent burial.

“Abel Dhaira lived a strong legacy worthy to be emulated. We also thank President Museveni for the assistance rendered” Bakabulindi said.

Others at the mass were Kampala City Lord Mayor, Elias Lukwago,  Spokesperson at the Ministry of Internal affairs, Pamela Ankunda, family members, football friends.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Chris Dhaira, a family member thanked FUFA, the Government, all the clubs where Dhaira played from and the football fraternity in general for the good time spent with the gallant soldier who loved and perfected his work with passion.

FUFA has also contributed a sum of Ug.shs 5M and National Council of Sports (Ug.shs 1M) to further assist in the burial arrangements.

From Church, the body was taken at Nakivubo Stadium where the public got the chance to view it before being driven to Walukuba in Jinja for the overnight vigil at the family house.

Abel Dhaira, who died from cancer last month in Iceland, aged 28 will be laid to rest on Wednesday in Mayuge, Eastern pat of Uganda.

UPDATED: Programme for the burial arrangements of Abel Dhaira 

Friday 1^st April, 2016: Casket carrying the remains of Abel Dhaira leaves Iceland for Uganda

Sunday 3^rd April, 2016:

• 3.55 am: Arrival of the casket at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
• 5 am: Casket handed over to Kampala Funeral Directors, taken to Mulago Hospital

Monday 4^th April, 2016:

• 10am; Church service at All Saints Church, Nakasero
• 1pm; Public viewing at Nakivubo stadium
• 4pm; Departure of the casket to Jinja
• 7pm; Arrival of casket at Abel Dhaira’s home in Walukuba
• 10pm; Body taken to the home of Abel Dhaira’s father for Night vigil in Walukuba

Tuesday 5^th April, 2016

• 9am; Church service at All Saints Church, Walukuba
• Midday: Body taken to BAT Sports grounds Walukuba for public viewing
• 2pm; Body taken to the Busoga Lukiiko in Bugembe
• 4pm; Body driven to Buyaga, Kigandalo in Mayuge district for night vigil

Wednesday 6^th April, 2016

• 10am; Burial ceremony commences
• 2pm; Burial

Note: Kampala Funeral Directors are managing the funeral event

May His Soul rest in Eternal Peace