Mbale, (UG):- Uganda Crane’s goalkeeper, Ismail Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga, who steered the national team in the recent World Cup qualifier games against Botswana and Algeria earlier this month, has carried out a series of charity activities in his home town.
Through his Ismail Watenga Foundation, he led friends to carry out a series of activities which included among others visiting the maternity ward wing at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, his former school Namunsi Primary School and Nakaloke Health Center IV, where he donated an assortment of items to a number of beneficiaries including expectant mothers.
The charity activities were flagged off with a Community match which featured different Football stars in Nakaloke. The donations included Mama Kits, sugar, soap, and soft drinks for patients. As well as balls plus jerseys for both the boy and girls (netball) teams, pads and scholastic materials.
Watenga who is also a Captain, of Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club, in South Africa, launched his foundation on Friday, 5th January 2024 where his career commenced in Nakaloke, Mbale and has since featured at Vipers Sports Club in the Uganda Premier League for seven seasons between 2011 and 2018.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Mbale City, Watenga also ventured into the murky professional waters in Ethiopia (Ethiopian Coffee) and Kenya (Sofapaka) before he was signed by South Africa’s Chippa United Football Club in 2020.
At the start of the 2022 season, he was signed by giants Mamelodi Sundowns and subsequently loaned out to Marumo Gallants and later Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club.
According to the foundation website, “Through strategic programs and collaborative efforts, the Ismail Watenga Foundation leaves an indelible mark on communities, igniting a ripple effect of positive change”.
“By leveraging the transformative power of sports and education, it empowers youth with the tools and resources needed to thrive”, it adds.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: dailyexpressug@gmail.com Or follow the Daily Express on X Platform or WhatsApp for the latest updates.
