The Uganda Premier League family is still shocked and saddened by the untimely death of a true league legend Jimmy Kirunda which occurred on Monday 25th May 2020, in Kampala. No words can be used to describe this moment!
On behalf of Uganda Premier League Board, Secretariat and Member Clubs, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family.
Jimmy’s profile in what is now called StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL)
- Joined Mulago FC in 1965, before moving to Express FC, KCC FC (now KCCA FC) and Sports Club Villa.
- His shining in the local league saw him join professional ranks at Abu Dhabi Sports Club in 1979, a year after skippering the Uganda Cranes to the AFCON final in Ghana.
- While playing in the local league, he captained Uganda Cranes for ten years and played three Africa Cup of Nations finals (1974, 1976 & 1978) and also won the CECAFA Cup with Uganda Cranes (1969, 1970, 1973, 1976 & 1977).
- Won three league titles with KCC FC (1976, 1977 and 1981) and two Uganda Cups (1980 & 1984).
- He also won a league title with SC Villa (1982) and one Uganda Cup (1983).
- League’s top-scorer in 1978 with 32 goals –a record that was broken by SC Villa striker Andrew Fimbo Mukasa in 1999 when he scored 45 goals. The demise of Jimmy Kirunda will leave a huge gap in our game.
He made his contribution on the pitch as a player, Manager, administrator and advisor. He will remain a legend of the game who contributed tirelessly with a good return of results on and off the pitch. We however, thank God for his life as we pray that the Almighty rests his soul in eternal peace.
Bernard Bainamani