The sports fraternity woke up this morning to the news of the passing of veteran Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) sports journalist Andrew Patrick Luwandagga.
“With deep sorrow UBC announces the death of our friend, veteran sports journalist Andrew P. Luwandagga. R.I.P,” the state broadcaster announced the sad news.
Luwandagga passed away at 4am this morning at his home in Namasuba. Initial reports indicate the cause of his death was heart failure.
The 61-year-old was the head of sports and current affairs at the station.
UBC spokesman Abbey Rafsanjan Tatya says the TV station is saddened and shocked by Luwandagga’s death as he worked yesterday and he was in high spirits.
“Andrew worked till late yesterday and I was expecting his call this morning to confirm the La Liga fixture UBC will show today, instead someone else called me on his behalf and not to tell me the news I was expecting or wanted. This has rattled me to the core,” Tatya said.
“The entire UBC Team is shocked and devastated by this news. He was a sports icon with the highest level of professionalism,” Tatya said.
Luwandagga’s career spans more than three decades and he was also the public announcer/emcee at the Uganda Cranes games in Namboole. He was the man in charge of the proceedings when Ugand beat Comoros in September to qualify the Africa Cup of Nations, a thing that had not happened in 38 years. Unfortunately Luwandagga who was elated by the feat won’t be able to watch his team in action.
May his soul rest in peace.