Through a letter posted on his social media platforms, Bebe Cool pointed out the profound influence of international sports, particularly European football leagues like the Premier League, on Uganda's youth.
He argued that watching these leagues inspires young Ugandans to emulate top athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, fostering a mindset geared towards excellence, hard work, and professional growth. Such exposure, he noted, can lead to improved skills and a disciplined lifestyle among the youth, reducing the likelihood of their involvement in illegal activities.
The musician also touched on the economic benefits of a robust sports industry. He highlighted how European leagues generate significant revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
By adopting similar models, Uganda could stimulate economic growth and create numerous job opportunities. He cited the example of Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané, who invests in his home country, suggesting that successful Ugandan athletes could follow suit if given the chance to compete on global stages.
"May it please you your excellency it’s me your son Moses Ssali Bebe Cool. I am honored to address you today and grateful for your leadership and vision for our nation. I appreciate your commitment to our country’s progress. Your excellency I am sharing my insight on the sports industry and the impact of Foreign Sports industries to our nation.
The Ministry of Education and Sports, a standalone entity, was merged under your wise guidance his excellency to which I believe you had seen and predicted the future and the potential of sports to improve and elevate on the standard of living of Ugandans same as education. Recently, our esteemed President you opened up on a question why your Bazzukulu today are watching foreign leagues to which you specifically mentioned the premier league. I firmly believe that this global phenomenon has numerous benefits for our nation, particularly for young Bazzukulu highlighting the importance of watching European leagues, their impact on our youth, economic growth, and the potential for employment in the sports industry.
Impact on Young Footballers and Mindset change.
Watching European leagues exposes your Bazukulu to top-notch football, inspiring them to emulate their idols and strive for excellency. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé are role models, showcasing dedication, hard work, and passion. By observing their techniques, strategies, and teamwork, our young players can improve their skills and develop a winning mentality.
International leagues like the Premier League and Serie A have a profound impact on young people, fostering a mindset focused on career growth and job creation. Sports keep the youth busy, promoting health, discipline, and a constructive outlet for energy, reducing the likelihood of involvement in illegal activities due to team schedules. Europe has successfully redirected young people’s energy into positive pursuits like sports, and Uganda can follow suit.
Ugandan parents are increasingly supporting their children’s participation in sports, recognizing the long-term benefits, as seen with artist Bebe Cool’s support for his son Alpha’s football career from academy to now a professional footballer playing for local club Express Fc and Under 20 Uganda National Team which competes on international platforms.
Economic Growth.
European leagues are a significant economic driver, generating billions of dollars in revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, merchandise, and tourism. By following these leagues, Uganda can learn from their successful models and adapt them to our own sports industry, creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. The sports industry offers an indirect employment solution, starting with players inspired by global icons like Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappé, who earn millions of dollars weekly to which are seen from foreign football leagues.
A single football team employs around 50 players, and these highly paid individuals repatriate part of their earnings, investing in multi-million projects, businesses, and job creation back home. For example Sadio mane who has built schools and hospitals in his home country its through only watching European leagues that our Footballers can also copy the same if given chances to earn on global level thus developing our country.
Sports Industry Potential.
The European leagues have exhibited and taught your Bazzukulu that it is a substantial employer, encompassing not only players and coaches but also professionals like lawyers, accountants, security personnel, and many more. By investing in our sports infrastructure and embracing international competitions, we can create a thriving industry that generates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth.
There is over millions of Ugandans employed directly and indirectly through football, with other sports like netball, athletics, basketball, and boxing also contributing to job creation. The NRM government and Ministry of Sports have built stadiums, encouraging Ugandans to attend games, a culture emulated from European football. Filling these stadiums is crucial for clubs’ financial sustainability, and embracing international sports culture can drive this success.
Education enhancement through sports scholarships is another significant advantage. FIFA, the international governing body, directly funds the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) millions of dollars to promote and develop local talent.
By embracing sports, Uganda can unlock employment opportunities, promote economic growth, and develop a healthier, more disciplined youth. Let us support our local sports industry and inspire future generations to achieve greatness.
Successful player stories.
Your excellency here is a center focus on your successful Bazzukulu and what they had to say about the impact of the European football’s leagues towards their career growth.
Players like David Obua and Tony Mawejje have credited watching the Premier League with inspiring them to pursue their football dreams.
David Obua, a former Ugandan international, said, “Watching the Premier League motivated me to work harder and eventually sign with clubs like Hearts of Midlothian and South African sides.”
– Ugandan player, Farouk Miya, credits watching the Premier League with inspiring him to join Standard Liege in Belgium
– The Ugandan national team, the Cranes, has benefited from exposure to European leagues, leading to improved performances in international competitions
– The Ugandan Football Federation has reported an increase in youth participation in football, attributed to the inspiration drawn from watching European leagues.
Your Excellency, Mr. President.
I align with your vision of redirecting the youth’s focus towards African integration, as it fosters patriotism and inter-African competitiveness, crucial for Africa’s growth and self-sustainability. However, I also believe that we can complement this approach by learning from those who have succeeded before us. By watching and emulating the strategies of top-performing nations and international leagues, we can gain valuable insights to enhance our own development.
Therefore, I propose that we promote both directions embracing African integration while also learning from global best practices. This dual approach will enable us to tap into untapped opportunities for growth and self-sustainability, while also harnessing the knowledge and expertise of those who have achieved success.
Without any doubt being a proud supporter of the NRM government and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) chaired by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda my r
