Sports stars gear up for Valentines Day festivities

Ugandans are increasingly Valentine’s Day compliant and New Vision Sports asked some of the top faces in Ugandan sport about their plans for this big day.

Valentine’s Day may not be a public holiday but fewer days on the calendar have a bigger impact on city life worldwide like February 14.

Ugandans are increasingly Valentine’s Day compliant and New Vision Sports asked some of the top faces in Ugandan sport about their plans for this big day.

Bright Anukani (Proline FC midfielder)
The little I know about Valentine’s Day is that it’s a day spent with loved ones and the people we do care about. As I have done in the past, I am going to spend it with my mother and grandmother because I have really taken long without spending a good time with them.

Shafik Kagimu (URA FC midfielder)
I’m going to spend the day with my wife in the masjid (mosque) for Juma since Valentine is meant to share moments with loved ones.

Paul Mucureezi (Vipers midfielder)
I will spend the day with my girlfriend because it’s a day for the loved ones and I look forward to having a good time with her.

Mark Ogwang (Prisons Taekwondo Club)
I have always heard about Valentine’s Day but I have never celebrated it. It’s only occasionally when I get time and look for lowers on the streets and buy for my wife at home. At times it finds on duty as a prisons officer but if I had the time and money then why not celebrate the day with my one and only to make her feel special on that day.

Alex Bwambale, heavyweight boxer
I don’t buy the idea of Valentine’s Day being a day for only those in love. Anyone can enjoy it. For example if I was not in camp, I would go visit my grandmother in Kasese and friends. It is all about showing care to those you love most on that day.

Mercy Mukankusi (National Boxing lady coach)
I usually celebrate in clubs but this time the event has got me in camp training the national team.I would have celebrated at Rema Namakula's music launch at Hotel Africana but now I shall do it with the Bombers boxers at Luzira camp. This is a day not only for lovers but also to friends and relatives you take long to meet like parents, children and other family members. I am in camp with my husband Zebra Senyange and we shall hold it as the Bombers team.

Doreen Nassali (National lady boxer)
I usually celebrate Valentine’s Day at home with members of my family but this time I am in camp training for the Africa Boxing Championships. I will enjoy Valentine with my fellow athletes but I wish well all those who will kill off time to visit especially heir parents and friends to exhibit love. Indeed it should not be a one off. But I advise those who will go out to drink that they should not drive after drinking. We couldn’t want such a wishful day to end in misery when people cause accidents after celebrating valentine.

Simon Mugabi- CEO for Uganda Badminton Association:
Valentine is a good gesture because sometimes people fail to show love to others. Though I don’t go out for massive celebrations, I respect the day. But my Valentine is always portrayed inside my heart when I see young children playing Badminton.
In sports, we always express Valentine through fair play also. I just wish well to all those who will be going out to celebrate.