Polly Ouma, a legendary figure in Ugandan football, has passed away at the age of 83 at Nsambya Hospital.

He was a pivotal member of the Uganda Cranes team that reached the final of the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, where they unfortunately lost to the host country, Ghana, by a score of 2-0.

Ouma enjoyed a prominent career with the now-defunct Simba FC and captained the Uganda Cranes from 1972 to 1974. He participated in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 1968, 1976, and 1978, and later took on the role of head coach for the Cranes from 1989 to 1995.

Born on January 21, 1942, he began his career at Nsambya FC before transferring to Coffee FC and eventually leading Simba to the CAF Champions League final in 1972.

During the 1978 AFCON, he suffered an injury in Uganda’s opening match against Congo Brazzaville, which sidelined him for the remainder of the tournament. At the time, he was the oldest player in a squad that included stars like Paul Ssali, Abey Nasur, Ashe Mukasa, and others.

Throughout his coaching journey, he worked with SC Villa, KCC, Bell, Nile, and Express, guiding the Uganda Cranes to secure three Cecafa titles. Ouma also served as the vice chairman of FUFA from 1998 to 2004.