Baker Kasigwa’s story is one of grit, triumph, and the unyielding spirit of an underdog. Born in Kisarizi, Masindi, to a father who passed before his birth, Kasigwa was aptly named, for “Kasigwa” means orphan in Runyoro. Raised by his mother, Mary Nyakahuma, he grew up amidst the whispering grasses of Masindi, dreaming of greatness. Little did he know that he would etch his name in history as part of a barefooted football team that stunned England in 1956.
The journey to fame began with a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The Uganda Cranes, representing a young nation, faced England’s seasoned players in a tour that many thought would be a futile endeavor. Their opening match ended in a demoralizing 0-10 loss, a blow that could have broken any team. But Kasigwa and his teammates, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, cast off their boots—literally—and opted to play barefoot. The move, initially mocked, became their secret weapon, leading to a historic 2-1 victory over England’s Olympic team. It was a David-and-Goliath moment that left the football world astounded.
Kasigwa’s name will forever be mentioned alongside his illustrious teammates—Nafutali Musoke, Okot B’tek, and Gilbert Seruwagi, among others. Together, they proved that skill and heart could defy even the toughest odds. Yet, with Kasigwa’s passing, the last ember of that golden generation has dimmed. It is said, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground,” and with Kasigwa, we lose a living archive of Uganda’s football heritage.
But legends never truly die. Baker Kasigwa’s barefoot legacy lives on in every Ugandan footballer who dares to dream, in every underdog who refuses to back down. As we bid farewell to the man who turned adversity into advantage, let his story inspire us to kick off our boots when the road gets tough, to find strength where others see weakness, and to always play to win
