The Special Envoy for Special Duties in the Office of the President, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, has eulogised the late James Zatwoshaho as a distinguished educationist, accomplished footballer and national sports administrator who mentored generations of Ugandans.
Rugunda, who also served as Uganda’s Prime Minister, said Zatwoshaho’s death was a loss to his family, the people of Kigezi, the sporting fraternity, his former students and the country at large.
According to the burial programme, the funeral service will be held at St Mark Church of Uganda, Kikungiri, on Saturday at 1pm, after which the body will be taken to Bukinda.
Burial will take place on Sunday at Nyakasiru, Bukinda, Rukiga District, starting at noon.
In a condolence message dated November 21, 2026, from New York, Rugunda said Zatwoshaho belonged to a generation of Ugandans whose lives were defined by service, discipline, humility and commitment to others.
“His enduring legacy lies not only in his achievements in education and sport, but also in the many lives he shaped and the leaders he helped prepare for the nation,” Rugunda said.
He recalled that Zatwoshaho was a key member of Uganda’s national football team during the 1960s before extending his contribution to the development of the sport through national administration.
Beyond football, Rugunda described Zatwoshaho as an outstanding teacher and mentor at Kigezi High School, where he nurtured generations of students who later served the country in various capacities.
Rugunda said he was among those who benefited from Zatwoshaho’s guidance, alongside other prominent Ugandans, including former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, the late former Bank of Uganda governor Prof Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, Mpangana Mirekiniga, Odongo Kacwagure, Rev Rukashazya and John Bitete.
He described Zatwoshaho as a hands-on, down-to-earth and principled disciplinarian who led by example and instilled in his students the values of integrity, hard work, self-discipline and service.
According to Rugunda, Zatwoshaho’s influence extended beyond the classroom and football pitch, with his mentorship helping prepare young people for leadership and national service.
Rugunda thanked God for granting Zatwoshaho a long life and enabling him to make meaningful contributions to his family, Kigezi and Uganda.
He also commended the deceased’s family for the love, dedication and care they extended to him during his illness.
Zatwoshaho began his football career with the Kigezi Province team, where his exceptional skills earned him a place on the Uganda national team in 1959. He represented the national team for nearly a decade before retiring from playing in 1968.
After retiring as a player, he joined the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) as an administrator. In 1973, he travelled to England for training in football management and later joined the FUFA Executive Committee upon his return.
He retired from active sports administration in 1992 and also served as Kabale District Sports Officer.
In recognition of his contribution to Ugandan football, FUFA presented Zatwoshaho with a special recognition award during its 94th Ordinary General Assembly held in Kabale District in October 2018.
After retiring as Kabale District Sports Officer, he secured a contract to manage Kabale Municipal Stadium. Even in retirement, he remained actively involved in the sport, often marking the football pitch, erecting corner flags and hanging goal nets before eventually withdrawing from sporting activities due to old age.
In 2024, Kigezi HomeBoyz Football Club honoured Zatwoshaho with a life membership award in recognition of his immense contribution to football.
