To omit Bidandi Ssali, fondly known as “Mister,” from the story of KCCA FC would be to erase its very foundation. Mister’s contributions shaped not only the club but the entire fabric of Ugandan football. He guided KCCA FC to the Premier League in 1968 and etched his name in history by leading the Uganda Cranes to the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations final—a feat unmatched to this day.
At a poignant tribute in Kiwatule, organized by KCCA FC legends and led by Patrick Sefuka, Mister’s monumental achievements were celebrated. Luminaries like Sam Simbwa, George ‘Best’ Nsimbe, and Tom Lwanga joined former club chairman Godfrey Kisekka to honor him. They presented Mister with a beautifully woven jersey and a special gift, underscoring his immeasurable contribution. “For everything I’ve become, it’s all because of you,” said a tearful Sam Simbwa, reflecting on the opportunities Mister gave him. Tom Lwanga echoed the sentiment, recalling how Mister believed in him when no one else did.
Godfrey Kisekka added a historical touch by sharing the story behind KCCA’s emblem, designed by a friend at Kyambogo University. The spade in the logo, symbolizing carrying the ball instead of rubbish, highlights the club’s transformative mission. Mister’s son, Ibrahim Ssaali Mukasa, expressed gratitude for the legends’ warm embrace of his father, saying, “From the age of five, I stood by my father in the field. Seeing him celebrated like this is deeply moving.”
Patrick Sefuka, the tribute’s initiator, emphasized that honoring Mister annually ensures his work remains immortal. From coaching KCCA FC in 1968 to guiding Uganda to the pinnacle of African football, Mister’s legacy is a beacon of inspiration, proving that true greatness never fades—it only grows brighter with time.
