Musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, has offered a heartfelt tribute to the late coach Sam Timbe, who recently passed away.
The former head coach of URA FC met his demise en route from St Catherine Hospital to Nakasero Hospital on Saturday.
"We stand united with Uganda's football community in mourning the loss of the esteemed coach Sam Timbe," Bobi Wine expressed in a message on his social media channels.
"Through his skilful guidance, the talents of some of Uganda's finest football players were nurtured, leaving an indelible mark on the world stage. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and all those who held him dear."
His passing followed a brief period of illness; URA reported that he had trained with the team on Friday in anticipation of a FUFA Super 8 semi-final match against KCCA FC.
Timbe, who began his career as a goalkeeper for Coffee FC, also contributed to the national team between 1978 and 1983, though he did not earn a cap.
Throughout his coaching career, Timbe worked with various clubs and teams, including SC Villa, Atraco, Young Africans, Police, Coffee, Lyantonde, UPDF, Mbale Heroes, Sofapaka, She Kobs, and the Uganda U-19 national team.
Notably, he took the helm of Tusker FC in Kenya. Also, he contributed to the Malaysian Premier League as coach of Persatuan Bolasepak Sarawak FC in 2020 before rejoining URA FC in 2021.
Timbe's coaching legacy includes two league titles: SC Villa (2004), Atraco (2008), and Young Africans (2010/2011).
Furthermore, he secured four CECAFA titles during his coaching tenure, with SC Villa (2005), Police (2006), Atraco (2009), and Young Africans (2011).