On April 18th 2019, Jimmy Lule Kibirige updated his Facebook profile with the inscription: “If you feel jealous, annoyed or upset when I am progressing, put your hands on your chest and say God I’m a witch, deliver me”
Whatever transpired through Lule’s mind back then, nobody knows but only the Almighty Lord.
Twenty-nine days later, Lule, a decent midfielder was pronounced dead after a short epoch of illness.
Lule died at Kamwokya Christian Care Community health facility on Thursday, 16th May 2019.
In his heydays, Kibirige was fondly referred to as ‘Zuguman’ and he did not shy away from the Rastafarian culture.
Lule is a young brother to former Uganda Cranes midfielder Owen Kasule.
He kick-started his footballing journey at Nakawa Football Club before he transferred to Kamwokya United in the Kampala Regional League.
His era at Kamwokya United Football Club witnessed the club achieve its highest ebb, reaching the quarterfinal of the Uganda Cup.
He was signed by Bright Stars Football Club in 2013, the year that they had attained promotion to the Uganda Premier League (UPL) from the FUFA Big League where he served with diligence for three consecutive seasons.
Lule later played at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), UPDF, Wakiso Giants and lately Entebbe Football Club.
He joined Entebbe during the secondary transfer window in January 2019.
Kibirige will be laid to rest at the family’s ancestral burial grounds at located Naama, Mityana.
Different personalities have since eulogized:
The number 10 man is gone to be with the Lord. We shall always cherish the great moments that you created while at Bright Stars especially the free-kicks. We shall miss you. Rest in Peace Jimmy Kibirige Lule
Bright Stars Football Club Management
Am yet to convince myself that you are gone.
Bernard Muwanga, KCCA player and former Bright Stars captain
He always delivered on the pitch. No. 10 belonged to Rastaman. The free kick master is gone. Rest in Peace Jimmy
Ahmed Hussein, FUFA PRO
Very sad RIP
Mathias Kigonya, Former Bright Stars goalkeeper
Hmmm R.IP Rasta We will miss you but I can not believe this
Stone Kawumba
Rest in peace soldiers soldiers soldier soldier
Asuman Galiwango
RIP BRo we shall always remember u may the good Lord well comes u in the joyment place in heaven
John Luutu
Juma Ssebaduka, Bright Stars player
RIP Ma Bro..Ma Mentor..we always miss u Jimmy rasta
Mike Nsubuga, Sports Journalist
RIP
Samuel Kayongo Junior
Very Sad moments
My condolence, such a great loss
Steven Dimeji Isreal
Sorry for my brother Jimmy lule may Allah forgive all his sins
Nasser Byaruhanga
RIP rasta wange. May God forgive you all that went wrong
Steven Katende
May his soul Rest in peace. Prayers to his family and relatives
Vincent Kambugu
Gone too soon bro, will always miss you buddy
Henry Hank Dembe
Rip rasta free kick master
Jctk Dennis Mutyaba
As a little boy football was his dream and passion and as he grew up it became part of him. Jimmy K has gone too soon and we gonna miss you dearly. Love you bro even u re gone.