KGI Brochure

KAMPALA (GOAN) INSTITUTE CENTENARY COMMITTEE
Front row, left to right: Almir D’Cunha (Treasurer), Eurema Colaco, Antonio Mascarenhas (Chairman),
Greta Dias, Norman D’Souza. Back row: Denis Pereira (Social Secretary), Aloysius Lobo, Bertilla De
Souza (Secretary), Aloysius Mathias, Nick De Mello, Seira Furtado
SUB-COMMITTEES
Social Sub-Committee: Denis Pereira (Chair), Eurema Collaco, Greta Dias
& Seira Furtado
John H. Nazareth (Editor-Centenary Brochure)
Delphine Francis & Elma Da Costa (Co-Ordinators Of Holy Mass)
The Organizing Committee would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our generous donors, sponsors
and all who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the functions.
Our sincere apologies to anyone whose name might inadvertently have been omitted.
Thank you all!!!
Kampala (Goan) Institute, Kampala

Crane Bank Limited, Kampala
Aerotours
Royal Bank, Canada\
Albert Fernandez
Lazarus Pereira
Uvy Lopes
2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 1
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

KI CENTENARY COMMITTEE
June 26th, 2010
A Hundred years ago, our pioneering founders could never have

imagined that the Centenary Celebration of the Kampala Goan Institute
would be held 12,000 kilometres away in far off Canada.
This Anniversary celebration gives us an opportunity to
acknowledge and pay tribute to the courageous nineteen visionary Goan
pioneers who laid the foundation for the Kampala Goan Institute on
June 26th 1910. As Goan goodwill ambassadors to their new home in
Uganda, Africa, they enthusiastically and courageously formed an institution where fellow Goans
could meet, play and socialize. From a tiny tin-roofed shack, the club grew to the impressive
institution that was a haven for countless Goan immigrants to Kampala. The site of the original
club was never changed – again a testimony to the vision of the founders. They couldn’t have
picked a more central location for what became one of the finest social and sports institutions in
the city.
KGI members were recognized throughout East Africa for their sporting prowess. We
excelled in hockey, cricket, tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Our members were key players in
Ugandan and East African teams in international tournaments. Three KGI members were in the
Ugandan Olympic hockey squad at the Munich Games in 1972.
KGI bonds of friendship have endured as is demonstrated by the overwhelming support
our committee has received in organizing this Centenary celebration.
Much has transpired over the last hundred years. Twelve years after celebrating a lavish 50th
Anniversary, the vast majority of KGI members were forced to leave Uganda as part of the
historic Asian Exodus of 1972. Almost overnight, the Kampala Goan Diaspora boosted
membership of fledgling Goan Associations in many cities around the world primarily in Britain,
Australia, the United States and Canada.
Fifty years ago, KGI founding member, Eugene A. Pinto stated: – “The past has been
glorious, the present is prosperously passing, and the future is in trust with the younger
members.” Political events prevented future members from carrying the KGI torch in the location
of its inception but the strong membership bond was never severed. This Centenary celebration
is a tribute to the KGI spirit that has motivated so many to attend from around the world to pass
the torch to our children who have indeed done us proud in every country that gave us refuge.
I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia,Chairman of the Kampala Institute and
the Hon. Rajni Tailor, Secretary of the Kampala Institute and Minister of State for Economic
Planning Development & Investments, Buganda Kingdom, who travelled here from Uganda to
represent the newly constituted Kampala Institute. My sincere gratitude for their generous
donations without which we would have been unable to organize a celebration such as this.
Finally, an ambitious three day celebration such as this could not have been possible
without an organizing committee that so unstintingly gave of their time and energy.
I send my most sincere greetings to all past and present members of the Kampala Institute
and wish the Institute many years of success in the future.
Antonio Mascarenhas
Table of contents overleaf …….

2 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure
Table of Contents
Page Title
1 Message from the Chairman of the Centenary Committee

3 Message from the Archbishop of Goa and Daman
4 Message from the Premier of Ontario
5 Message from the Mayor of Mississauga
6 Message from the Commissioner of NRI Affairs, Government of Goa
7 Message from the Board of Trustees, Kampala Institute
8 Message from the Consul General of India
8 Message from the Goan Overseas Association, Ontario, Toronto
8 Message from the Goan Overseas Association, NSW, Australia
8 Message from the Goan Overseas Association, Vancouver
8 Message from the Chairman, Mombasa Institute
9 Message from Father John Appelman
9 Message from the Bishop of Port Blair
9 Message from Mark Vaz, former President of KI
9 Message from Neru Rodrigues, former President of KI
9 Message from Aloysius Lobo, former President of KI
10 Their Spirit Lives On – The Founders
12 History of the KGI – Founding to Today
18 Executive Committees of the KGI
20 Centenary Celebrations – Schedule
21 Kampala Institute Centenary Song
24 A Brief History Of Sports Achievements
24 National Representations - Sports
25 Sports Achievements Among Our Descendants in Canada
29 Other Achievements
29 Leaders In Other Goan Organizations Post-1972
29 Memories Of The KI
29 Extract of History of G.O.A. Ontario Written in 1995 pertaining to the Expulsion
29 Remembering the KGI
30 Poly Pereira, Our Hero
30 A Dance In The Goan Institute
32 Michael Texeira - KGI's and one of East Africa's finest Sportsmen
33 Miscellaneous Articles By/About Members And Their Descendants
33 A Search for an Identity: Catholic Goans - How they fit in a predominantly Hindu India
34 The Origin Of The Gomesi/Busuuti
35 Remembering The Uganda Asian Expulsion Of 1972
36 The Goan Legacy... Living On In Uganda (Uganda Newspaper - In New Vision)
38 Odds And Ends On The Asian Expulsion Of 1972
38 How Hockey Determined the Number of Asian Refugees Accepted By Canada
39 The Smell of The Expulsion
39 Editor’s Note
40 List of Attendees
ARCHDIOCESE OF ARCHBISHOP’S HOUSE,

GOA AND DAMAN P.O. BOX NO. 216
PATRIARCHATE OF THE EAST INDIES Panjim- 403 001
GOA - INDIA
CP/539/2010 Tel: (0832) 2223353 / 2225291
Fax No: 91-832-2224139
E-mail:archbpgoa@gmail.com
MESSAGE
I am glad to know that those who have been connected with the well known Kampala
Goan Institute are eagerly looking forward to a Grand Worldwide Reunion in Toronto, on
the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Institute, to be celebrated from the 24th to the
27th of June, 2010.
Goans have always been known for their sociability. Wherever they live in
considerable numbers, they instinctively create a special bond with fellow-Goans. And this
explains the existence, not only of the famous clubs and kudds of Bombay, but also of Goan
Clubs, Associations, Institutes, etc. in every corner of the world.
The Kampala Goans are no exception. Joining the hordes of fellow-Goans who were
emigrating to East Africa in the beginning of the 20th century, they soon began to form
themselves into clubs, the Kampala Institute being one of the most famous. After the great
Goan exodus from Uganda in 1972, members of this Institute spread throughout the four
corners of the world, their greatest concentration being perhaps in the city of Toronto.
Wherever they went, they continued their ‘social club’ life-style and, more importantly, to
offer an enormous contribution to the development of their adopted countries.
And so it is that Toronto is getting ready for the Grand Reunion of Kampala Goans. I
would like to be ‘present’ among them through this brief Message and to wish them all the
best.
Archbishop’s House, Panjim, Goa, February 20, 2010.
(+ Filipe Neri Ferrão)

Archbishop of Goa and Daman
June 26, 2010
Dear Friends:
On behalf of members of Council and the residents of the City of Mississauga, I

am pleased to extend greetings to the Kampala (Goa n) Institute on the occasion of their 100th
Anniversary.
Established for expatriate Goans in Kampala, Uganda, the Kampala (Goan)

Institute has been providing Goans from across the globe with a connection to their culture
and heritage. Through the many social and sporting activities, the Goan community is able to
come together to share in these important event s. It pleases me to see that Mississauga has a
thriving Goan community which has contributed positively to our ethnic diversity.
Once again, on behalf of members of Council and the residents of the City of
Mississauga, best wishes for a memorable evening.
MESSAGE
I am glad to know that the Centenary Celebrations of the founding of

the Kampala Goan Institute are being held in June. Goans did settle abroad
over decades and centuries. Their hard work, their dedication and respect
for law and order made the Goan Diaspora a preferred community in most
parts of the world. In Uganda, they held high administrative positions in the
Civil Services, in business and in the private sector.
The Kampala Goan Institute Celebrations will certainly rekindle old
associations and help the new generation strengthen their ancestral roots. I
wish the Celebrations all success and convey my best wishes to the
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Antonio Mascarenhas and to
all the participants.
SECRETARIAT, PORVORIM GOA INDIA – 403 521

Tels: 0832-2419515, 0832-2777800 FAX Nos 0832-2419851, 0832-2776868
Off E-mail commissionernri_goa@rediffmail.com
Ref: loksevagoa@rediffmail.com
From the Kampala Institute, 2010
It is a great honour and an immense privilege for me to have been invited to

convey my remarks in respect of the Centenary Celebrations of the
Kampala (Goan) Institute in June 2010. I am indeed extremely humbled by
this request.
I would firstly like to congratulate the Chairman and members of the

organising committee for their foresight, dedication and endeavours in
organising the Centenary Celebrations to commemorate 100 years of the
existence of the Kampala (Goan) Institute.
I am fully aware that this is by no means an easily attainable task and the organising committee
must have invested tremendous amount of time and effort to bring this event to fruition. They all
certainly thoroughly deserve everyone's gratitude and appreciation and I, therefore, take this
opportunity to sincerely register mine.
In my view, as the world becomes globalised with the consequence that it brings about increasing
mobility of peoples to move and settle in various parts of the world which where not even in the
horizons of our forefathers dreams, it is extremely important for all communities not to lose sight of
its heritage, culture, traditions and background. A celebration such as this whereas being nostalgic,
in a wonderful way emphasizes that the Goan community had created heritage landmarks, in
Kampala, Uganda and its culture and traditions are well and truly enshrined through institutions
such as the Kampala Institute.
Whereas, undoubtedly the original Goan community, in common with other Asian communities has
decimated, the numbers are once again on the increase with a steady flow of new
immigrants/settlers. This Centenary Celebrations, in my opinion, serves the dual purpose of
reviving a journey down the memory lane and at the same time provides a word of encouragement
to our future generation - new settlers - of the opportunities that exist in Uganda. It will also be a
strong reminder to them not to forsake the crucial rope of their culture and traditions.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Antonio Mascarenhas who took time out of his
holiday when he was in Uganda, to help sort out a few issues which have since been amicably
resolved and we are all now working in peace & harmony. I would like to thank my co-trustees -
Mr. Kiran Bhimjiani, Mr. Rajni Tailor, Mr.Joe Fernandes and Mr. Jos Almeida. And Committee
members - Mr.Rajni Tailor, Mr.Kiran BHimjiani, Mr. Joe Fernandes, Mr. Jos Almeida, Mr. Atul
Radia, Mr. Paku Patel and Mr. Subash Rawal, not to forget Ms. Delia Almeida who have given
their valuable time to the Kampala Institute and to take it to greater heights. We have great plans
for the Kampala Institute and will achieve them in the years to come. The Trustees and the
Committee members also unanimously approved the donation of US$ 30,000/- towards the
Kampala (Goan) Institute Centenary Celebrations .
In conclusion, let me wish everyone who attends this remarkable celebrations a very joyous,
enjoyable and memorable festivities during which you will be able to rekindle your old contacts and
establish many new friends and networks.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia

Chairman ,
Board of Trustees
MESSAGE
MESSAGE
On behalf of the Goan Overseas Association in Toronto, I would like to
I am delighted to learn that the Kampala (Goan) Institute, congratulate the Kampala (Goan) Institute in achieving a very important
Mississauga , which was established in Uganda in 1910 and whose milestone, its 100th Anniversary.
members came to Canada after 1972, is planning its centenary
celebrations in 2010. The Kampala Institute played an important role in promoting Goan culture and
creating community in Uganda. It was an important element in the lives of all
It is heartening to know that Kampala (Goan) Institute is doing a Goan families as it enriched them socially and culturally. Many members of the
wonderful service to promote, preserve and sustain the unique Kampala Institute brought their vision to Toronto and contributed to the creation
heritage of Goa. Organization of cultural events to enable greater of the Goan Overseas Association 40 years ago.
appreciation of India's rich heritage gives our younger generation a
sense of pride about their history and heritage. I would like to convey my warmest greetings to all those who were associated
with the Kampala (Goan) Institute over the years and the current Organizing
India's relations with Canada are multi-faceted and have prospered Committee. Special thanks to Antonio Mascarenhas, Bertilla DeSouza, Almir
over the years. The energetic and vibrant Indo-Canadian community D’Cunha, Denis Pereira, Greta Dias, Nick DeMello, Norman DeSouza, Seira
has made an important contribution to bring the two countries closer. Furtado, Eurema Collaco, Aloysius Mathias and Aloysius Lobo. This group of
proud Kampala Goans have organized three events that will be enjoyed by all
I take this opportunity to send my warm greetings and best wishes to those attending. I’m sure many happy memories will be shared over the three
all members of the Kampala (Goan) Institute and wish them all days!
success in their future endeavours.
Oscar Furtado
President,
Goan Overseas Association, Ontario
Toronto
(Preeti Saran)
Consul General
November 16, 2009
365 Bloor Street (E). Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3L4
Tel: (416) 960-0751/0752 • FAX: (416) 960-9812 • E-mail: cgindia@cgitoronto.ca
Website: www.cgitoronto.ca
Message
It is with pleasure that I, on behalf of The Goan Overseas Association of NSW Inc., convey my
congratulations and best wishes to the Kampala (Goan) Institute on the occasion of its Centenary
Celebrations in June 2010.
The Institute by virtue of its existence and age is an inspiration to other associations, as to the
fulfillment of a vision, the dedication of volunteers, the support of members and the camaraderie and
good governance of its committee.
In this age of globalisation, remote associations are less unique than they would have been previously.
But what is enduring, is the spirit with which they are created and the continuity of their values passed
down through the generations. The instincts of humans to gather celebrate and enjoy in a community
environment is proof in the longevity of the Kampala (Goan) Institute.
Dear Antonio Mascarenhas
We, at the Goan Association of New South Wales find ourselves at the juncture where our founding
members are now senior members and the next generation is poised to take over the reins and carry on Your e-mail of 24th March, 2010 refers.
the good work and commitments as envisaged when the association was formed. In moving with the
times there will be many alterations to the 'look' of the association but the core values and vision of the
founding members will be continued - to showcase the culture and history of Goa and pass the same I was delighted with the contents and was 99.9% to make
down to our children and perhaps one day reach a magnificent milestone and beyond - like the Kampala the travel to Toronto. Unfortunately I suffered a stress
(Goan) Institute!
fracture on the spine operation I recently had in the U.K. I am now on the
Hearty congratulations on this memorable occasion, good luck with the celebrations and best wishes for road to recovery but unfortunately am not allowed any long trips or
the future from the Goan Association of NSW Inc. strenuous exercises as I have considerable pain.
Thank you for the invitations - my personal thanks to Mr. Sudhir of
the Crane Bank Ltd., Kampala for his benevolence in financing the KGI
Centenary Celebrations.
Mark Soares
President I wish all members attending long life with happy memories of the
past. May God Bless you all.
Franklyn Pereira.
Chairman, Mombasa Institute
Life Member of the Kampala Institute
MESSAGE
June 26th, 2010
Dear friends of the Kampala Goan Institute,
I am very happy to add a few words of congratulations on the occasion of

the 100th anniversary of the Kampala Goan Institute. And no wonder, because
for some time I was part of it myself when I was Pastor of Christ the King
Church in Kampala, and ever so often I visited the Institute when there were
special functions, celebrations, and the many tombolas. I think that was the
name for our Bingo here. And at one time I won a good prize myself. And you
will also remember that I said Mass at the Institute a few times, in particular I
think of the occasion of the 60th anniversary. I still have some pictures of this. I
have very many fond memories of the years I was in Kampala, and the many
Goan families I visited, the many children I baptized and the many couples I
married. And how happy I have been that in the now almost 36 years here in
Canada, I have met several of the Goan families in Toronto, Ottawa and
Vancouver. I particularly also remember the faithfulness of the Goan
parishioners at the Holy Masses and other events at our Church, which as we
all know was always called the Goan Church, and some of you may still have a
copy of the short history I wrote about the Church.
In conclusion I wish you God's many and fondest blessings on the

occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Kampala Goan Institute. May you all
have wonderful celebrations in Toronto relishing the many good memories of
the many involvements. God love and bless you all abundantly.
To Chairman and Organizing Committee
Father John Appelman, MHM,
Former Pastor of Christ the King Church in Kampala between 1969 and 1973. My most memorable years as President was during 1970-1971 and
was again elected President for the year 1972-1973. In my role as President of
the KI. I had the priviledge of working with some very talented committee
members and of course our Vice-President Neru Rodriques.
I remember the time towards the end, when Neru, Veron and I were
in the club daily, giving our support and also distributing money to the Goans
who were coming from the interior of Uganda, with no travel documents -
Dear friends, those were sad times, I left around 15th October 1972.
I was privileged to be the 1971/1972 president of the Yours sincerely

Kampala Institute and during that first year of the Amin regime, Mark Vaz
I was grateful for the support and help of an able and dedicated committee. Former President, KI
You will recall that despite the political upheaval caused by the coup in
January 1971, life at the KI soon returned to normal. We were lulled into To Chairman and
believing that our idyllic lifestyle would continue. I did not foresee that within KI Centenary Organizing Committee
a few short months we would be banished, leaving an institution that our
community loved and cherished for over 60 years. On such an auspicious occasion, I would like to offer
I recall that on January 25th 1972, a pubic holiday commemorating the my most sincere congratulations to all the living members
first anniversary of the coup, our social committee organized a full day of who are spread out all over the world.
activities. In typical KI fashion, we celebrated Mass in the main hall followed Our thoughts must go back when 100 years ago, nineteen farsighted and
by a well-attended ‘hop’ with the usual camaraderie at the bar, the dart board, courageous Goans founded the Kampala Goan Institute, my own father,
the billiard room and the card tables. Milagres Santana Rodrigues, being one of them; so you can imagine my pride.
This pride will also be felt by the many descendants of the other founder
That year, our sporting activities continued unabated. We hosted a members. Legions of Goans benefited over the years. Every Goan since, has
German hockey team from Cologne University and three K.I. hockey stars contributed in every field be it religious, social, cultural and principally sports
represented Uganda at the Munich Olympics. Everything was normal until that The Sportsmen and Sportswomen have to this day kept alive the founder's
fateful day in August when the General announced the expulsion. dream. I remember the years when the DeSouzas and others were the
The K.I. was more than our home away from home. It was where we "MIGHTY HITTERS" in the cricket field, the hockey wizardry of the Pereiras
played, prayed, danced and socialized; it was where many of us first met and and others. Tennis and Badminton aces like the Diases, not forgetting the
wooed our spouses; where we celebrated Goan village feasts, weddings, indoors high spirited and focussed card players including the "trook"
anniversaries and other community milestones. It was the centre piece of our tournament with St.Francis Xavier Club, who invariably won, and stage dramas
life in Kampala. featuring the incomparable Francis, Frank DeSouza and their group of
Dramatists.
It is now my humble privilege to be part of this Centenary Organizing
Committee and I wish you and your families a memorable and enjoyable
THOSE WERE THE DAYS !!!
celebration.
WE CANNOT FORGET AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Sincerely
Sincerely
Aloysius Lobo
Neru Rodrigues,
Former President K.I.
Former President, KI
Their spirit marches on …

In a little room, only twelve by twelve, six young
men were mutely sipping their drinks. Dejection had
given way to animated discussion. A suggestion chat
one of them had unexpectedly made had set the rest
thinking. An answer was dearly expected. It was the
moment for decision when mind and heart jockeyed
for positions. Their silence was eloquent
They were the last of a score or more who had
been in there that evening after their games, Some
cheerful bachelors had moments earlier slammed the
door to resounding 'Goodnights', and walked through
the muddy puddles to the loneliness of their quarters,
The evening was wet and the night was chilly; in
the bushes under the trees like a spoilt child in a
tantrum, the beetle was holding forth, piercing he
palpable darkness with its eerie screech as if annoyed
by the few glow worms flickering in the elephant
grass beyond. Somewhere in the dense foliage the
crickets chirped with practised nonchalance like a
chorus in comic opera.
He was a small man - our hero - the jolliest of
them all with a fund of humour and a penchant for doubts and fears, but let it not be said of us that we
practical jokes. But tonight he was in earnest, or so lacked the courage." He paused, "Rather, let it be
he seemed. "Why can't we have our own club?" he known chat we were second to none – Nulli
had asked. Secundus." Captivated by his mood, they roared
Lack of funds, the site and the 'etceteras' had approval.
certainly bothered them, But surely an infectious
A gust of wind dwarfed the flame of the
enthusiasm could take care of that. hurricane lamp in the ceiling, casting giant shadows
He smiled as he scanned the answer in their on the walls.
faces. Then, as suddenly, he tapped his glass on the
There they stood, transformed, — men of
small table, pushed back his chair, drew himself up, destiny in their own small sphere. Entranced, they
and in an attitude of mock seriousness called for a listened. “Let us not be deterred by the lack of
toast. funds," he continued, "Courage we have; then let. us
The chairs ground harshly on the rough cast floor not he found wanting in faith." (Hear, Hear).
as three of his companions uncertain of their
reactions to this melodramatic turn shuffled to their
feet beside the toast-master and the cane sofa
squeaked in comic relief yielding the other two. A
bottle of mellowing caju wine was produced from the
cupboard in the wall. The glasses were filled. After
all, a toast was a good enough excuse for a drink!!
But our hero had indeed something to say.
Taking his text in homespun fashion, from the
conversion of St. Francis Xavier he intoned: "What
does it profit a man to win a game for anothers fame
and suffer the loss of his own name?" (Laughter,
Hear, Hear). They were accustomed to his light
hearted introductions, but did they detect a twinkle in
JCB DeSouza
his eye. Not this time. Plainly it was no facetious
overture, Then with outstretched arm, pointing to a little
"No, gentlemen, I'm serious. We must have our board hanging in the corner, he added "That
own club ", he shouted. Their laughter rudely gentlemen, could solve our problems." "Cash or no
arrested, each was caught with an incongruous smile cash", he went on, "today we shall write a blank
on his mouth like a crushed rubber toy gradually cheque which, I feel certain, our brothers hereafter
regaining shape. will honour." (Hear, Hear). Then sensing that all
I've heard your arguments," he went on, were with him, he added prophetically, " Let this day
maintaining superb aplomb. "I'm aware of your be remembered: for today we have planted the seed.
May the Tree never die and May Good Fortune attend There couldn't have been many before them who had
all those who shelter under it…” In a broken voice left their native shores to seek their fortunes in lands
raising his cup he ended, "To the Goan Club. across the seas. Their Spartan upbringing had
Kampala - Long may it Prosper.' prepared them for the perils of the voyage. The
For a moment they stood cheeks flashed, triumph beanstalk trek from sea-level to the altitudes of
shining in their eyes not knowing how to give vent to their Uganda must have had its hazards and its
feelings. 'What at first they presumed was a light hearted discomforts. They braved them all.
jest had blossomed into an Idea. Now their minds When at last they had set foot in the land of the
made up, overcome with emotion, they broke into a Buganda they must have heaved sighs or relief. The
solemn rendering of the traditional Konkanim Kingdom of Buganda was one of the few organised
blessing to a toast: “Uddon guelem parveachem states that gleamed in the dark wilds of Africa. The
birrem….”, people could not fail to be less stately than the trees
Apocryphal as this story might be, old residents and as gentle as the verdant hills that surrounded
will tell you that that little board still hangs in that them. Gazing at Kampala it certainly was love at first
little room behind the counter of the Kampala Oriental sight.
Company. The legend on the little board reads? "Terms Cash But time and time again they caught each ocher
- Blank Cheques can be obtained.” Situated in a looking wistful with nostalgia.
comparatively back street today, fifty years ago it Often would they gather courage by reciting the
commanded prominence on what was then the 'Main Rosary together and singing in unison the Litany of
Street' of Kampala, It was the rendezvous for all the Blessed Virgin. Just as often they would gather
Goans. on the playing fields for a game and later fill the
So that was how, undaunted by lack of capital, evening air with a cheerful rendering of the 'mando
with only their enthusiasm to draw upon, the pioneers to the accompaniment of violins.
zealously got down to work. And from that little They prayed together and they played together.
room, the following day, they set out to plant the The idea of a club was therefore a natural one - a
seed. place for a get-together a "home away from home."
If you have the patience to see the humble acorn The founding of a club in those early days was
rise into a mighty oak, then well might you share in no mean task.
the day of planting and watch with gratitude the
The turn of the century was rife with religious
gradual process of its growth. The birth of an
strife, insecurity and political upheavals. Barely
institution has for most of us a similar fascination,
fourteen years before, thirteen Roman Catholics had
and looking back after fifty years the pageant of its
suffered martyrdom at Namugongo in the holocaust
progress cannot fail to evoke in our breasts a feeling
that raged. A year earlier Bishop Hannington had
of exhilaration.
been murdered and Gordon Pasha had fallen in the
For an institution, like a plant has its history of Battle of Khartoum. Thirteen years later and eleven
birth and growth. Much as the the sapling whose years before the founding or the club King Mwanga
steady growth is determined by its nature, the was captured. The Uganda Agreement was signed in
progress of the infant institution is ensured by men of 1900. The frontiers with the Sudan and Kenya were
goodwill who, with patience, perseverance, endeavour yet to be demarcated.
and fortitude, work single-mindedly and unceasingly
Communications hardly existed as we know
for the advancement of the aims and ideals set out in
them. Only in 1901 did the firs~ Uganda Railway
its constitution,
reach the shores of Lake Victoria at Kisumu! The
The 50th anniversary gives us an opportunity to road to Entebbe led through dense equatorial forests
pav a tribute to all those who have contributed and the bridge across the Nile was constructed as late
cowards that progress. Primarily, it is a tribute to at 1931. Nearer home, the band of six who set out
them - the few - who founded this institution. They from the K.O.C. picked their way along a footpath
were the home-country's first ambassadors of through towering reeds of elephant grass, to the foot
goodwill. of the Nakasero hill toward a place called “Jumba
The spirit of fellow feeling and mutual respect Thanu” so known because there were only five
which was an inalienable part of their breeding and houses in the area
which they engendered, was to see the institution There, together with the 13 others who had
through several vicissitudes, and is in a large measure joined them they selected the site.
responsible for the prestige that the institution and
So fortunate was their choice of site that today
the community enjoy today.
the club occupies a prominent place in the heart of
The story of our founders is the story of the town and is easily accessible to most of its members
pioneers. And the spirit that imbued them was the who live not very far from it.
zeal of the pioneer. For those were pioneering days.
This article, written by John Carneiro, was reprinted from the 50th Anniversary Booklet. Ed
History of the KGI – Founding to Today
Founding In 1915 a pavilion with railings was constructed at a cost

The initial meeting of the 19 Goans now known as the of Rs. 600/- which was raised by loans from members of the
founders, held on 26 June, 1910 at Mr. E. A. Pinto's well club at Rs. 30/- per member earning interest at 3%. Donations
known business premises, followed in the steps of Goans were also received from some of the members and after
around the world. Goans have traditionally been a highly sanction was obtained from the D. C. the new pavilion was
socialized community, forming socio-cultural clubs wherever inaugurated in September that year. It also enabled newspapers
we go. Our roots are social, emanating from our traditional to be kept for the benefit of the members, which papers were
village system of government (or "communidades") in Goa bought by the Secretary every evening and taken home the
that continued for over 1000 years, and which extended to the same night.
kudds of Bombay. 1916 saw the dub fee raised from Rs.1/- to Rs. 2/- and
In East Africa, the trail had been blazed by the thanks to the donation of a football by one of the members,
Mombasa Institute (1901), Entebbe Goan Institute (1905), small scale football practices were possible. A storm blew off
and the Nairobi Goan Institute (1905). As Kampala continued the top of the pavilion in 1917 and it had to be closed.
to grow and increase in commercial importance, the number Necessary permission was obtained subsequently from the
of Goans in the town increased. In 1910 there must have been township authorities for a fairly solid structure with walls
in the region of 200 men, women and children. replacing the corrugated iron sheets and the inauguration of
this building took place in August 1917.
After the meeting of the nineteen, it was then agreed to
start a club for recreational purposes styled "The Goan World War I
Recreation Club" and the first step was a grant of land in view The end of WW I in 1918 was received with joy by the
of the fact that the health of the Goans in Kampala both members and a dance was organized to celebrate the occasion.
physical and mental would improve by outdoor recreation. It The loans given by the members were due to be repaid in 1919
was true that the introduction of some kind of physical but as the funds of the club were very low it was mutually
exercise would help to ameliorate the present condition and agreed to postpone the payment. A library was also started this
thus make the monotonous times lively and enjoyable. Up to year with donated books and in 1920 a further expansion to the
that time thanks to the members of the Kampala Sports Club, building was made with the addition of a room with financial
Goans were permitted to use the KSC sports field on certain help from the members.
days of the week for the purpose of their sporting activities.
Holy Mass Celebrated
The application to the P. C. was sympathetically
For the members' convenience and through the kind
considered in the light of recommendations by a score of
permission of Bishop Bierman, Mass was celebrated on the
other senior government officials and the size which was
premises once a fortnight. In gratitude for this gesture of his, a
subsequently approved was the one on which the present
collection was made by the members on the occasion of the
Institute building stands. This was considered a very good
Bishop's Silver Jubilee and the monies handed over to him for
choice for it was away from the dreaded swamps close by.
the purchase of a chalice and episcopal chair.
The size of the plot was about one acre on an initial lease of
21 years and tennis courts were soon constructed. The As the interest and caliber of sportsman rose members
construction of any building on the plot was for some strange requested an expansion of the sports fields. In March 1921 an
reason precluded but two rustic benches were provided for the appeal was made to the Land Office for the grant of a sports
convenience of the sports enthusiasts. The lease was signed ground. After much consideration, a site of 2½ acres was
for by the first trustees who had to be officially approved by approved on a lease initially of 10 years on the plot at present
the Government, they being Mr. A. de Figueiredo, Mr. P. at the corner of Nakasero and Kyagwe Roads. Before the lease
Leopold de Souza and Mr. M.S. Rodrigues. The entrance fee could be signed the land authorities requested that in order to
was then fixed at Rs. 15/- and the monthly subscription Rs. enable the trustees to apply for a Certificate of Registration as
1/-. As no permanent pavilion was constructed the meetings a Corporate body it was necessary for the club's name to be
were conducted at the residences of the Managing Committee changed.
Members. Name Change
First Recreational Activities Around the same epoch, the Goan clubs in Mombasa,
In 1914 a small pavilion or Banda was erected of Entebbe, and Nairobi had changed their names to “Goan
corrugated iron sheets and timber to provide cover for the Institute”. This formed a model for the Kampala Goans and on
members. Cricket practice was conducted on a piece of land petition filed by the club's management, the name was changed
between the two tennis courts adjoining Circular Road (later to “Goan Institute, Kampala”. The adoption of the new name
Buganda Road). Cricket was played twice a week at the necessitated the drafting of new rules, helped by legal opinion,
Kampala Sports Club and on these days tennis was which were approved by the General Body. The Club's seal
suspended. Social gatherings were organized off and on in the was also ordered from the U.K., as a suitable one could not be
Banda. had locally and the entrance fee which was Shs. 20/- was
raised to Shs. 30/-.
In 1922 a corrugated iron shed, was erected on the earlier and a lease of 49 years inclusive of the old was obtained
sports ground at a cost of Shs, 200/- for keeping the sports kit from the Land Office. Construction of the two new Tennis and
and offering the spectators some shade; this shed lasted until Badminton Courts were immediately started on the new plot
1973. The members frequenting the club's premises had now and extensions to the building were also planned.
increased and the bar facilities were now extended with a It should be mentioned here that primary classes were
regular stock and a member-in-Charge of the bar. A piano also being conducted at that time on the premises during the
was also purchased for Shs. 1,000/- and levelling of the new day by a few qualified Goan ladies.
sports ground undertaken at a cost of Shs. 500/.
Building Extension
Increasing Sports Interest
1932 saw the inauguration by the Provincial
As an incentive to the cricket enthusiasts, the Lowis Cup Commissioner Mr. Cox of the first major extension of the
Trophy for cricket, open to all clubs in Kampala, was donated institute when a large hall and frontage facing Bombo Road
in 1923 by a member of the institute, Mr. Gerald Sequeira. In were added, this being possible by the donation and loans of
the members at that time. In 1938, electricity supply was
LOWIS CUP WINNERS 1925

1925 the trophy was won by the Institute under the
captainship of its donor. The sporting activities of the
Institute were now gaining popularity and with the new BUILDING EXTENTION 1932
sporting facilities provided in the shape of the sports ground, obtained from the East African Power and Lighting Company
tennis and badminton courts, the members took up games in a Limited and, the Club's own plant sold. A terrace was also
big way and numerous successes were achieved when playing constructed and used as a library.
in tournaments against the other clubs.
The benevolence of the President that year Mr. N.
A further approach was made in 1929, in view of the Godinho is to be noted for he kept two cars at the disposal of
increase in the number of members, to the Land Office to the Hockey team to play in different tournaments, as transport
for the players was now proving a hazard.
World War II
1939 saw the advent of the 2nd World War and in
response to an appeal from the Goan Community, Mombasa, it
was unanimously agreed by the members to offer the shelter of
their houses to families from the coast in case of need. Further
extension to the Institute which we approved the previous year
had to be dropped in view of the hostilities. A radiogram was
now obtained and it helped members to listen to the news and
also relieved the members' dance orchestra of some of their
weekly tasks. The war effort was also supported and various
fetes and musical programs were brought up during this time
in aid of the Earl Haig's Poppy Fund and the Uganda War
Fund. In 1940 even the Xmas tree had to be cancelled as there
was a lack of toys.
WINNERS – 1935 EGI CUP By now many of the members of the Institute had enlisted
obtain the grounds between the Institute buildings and Bombo in the signalling section of the Uganda Volunteer Reserve. A
Road. The application could not be approved, however, until Kampala Goan War Fund Committee was also established The
the Town Planning Adviser, who was due to visit Uganda the Institute rules were revised and new rules books printed. The
following year had given his advice. In 1931 the Town framework of the roof was raised at a cost of Shs. 2300/- due
Planning Adviser approved the grant of the land applied for to rain water leakage. This however proved very temporary
and a further Shs. 2000/- was spent in 1943 to stem the defect.
In 1944 it was agreed to have full lady members on the Strength for the Future" so also it was hoped that this history
payment the monthly subscription of Shs. 4/-, no entrance fee would spur the next generation to rival the previous success
being charged. To celebrate the institute Sports Dance some and self sacrifice set by all and further the prosperity of the
of the members even willingly offered the Institute their Institute in all fields, compatible with its motto " Nulli
monthly whisky ration. Secundus ". The members' untiring efforts permitted the
A Tradition of Sports Visits Institute to cross the Diamond Milestone.
1945 saw us hosts to the Goan Institute, Kisumu during A full program of celebrations was organized by the
the Easter holidays and in 1946 the Goan Gymkhana, Nairobi, President Mr. Peter Pereira and his Executive.
also paid us a visit during the same period. The Institute's
white Sports shirts with sleeve ends, collars and pockets in
maroon were officially approved by the General Body.
A contribution of Shs. 500/- was made to the Central
Council of Indian Associations in Uganda who organized the
All India Hockey Team visit in 1948. In addition a sundowner
dance was held at the Institute in the visiting team's honour
when a hockeystick was presented with a silver band round it,
suitably engraved to mark the Team's visit to the Institute.
Rewiring of the Institute was undertaken in 1948 at a
cost of about Shs. 3500/- and adequate electric fittings were
made in the library and the stage. In 1950 the head boy
Andreya, who had been with the Institute for 30 years, retired
and in appreciation of his devoted services an occasion was 1960 JUBILEE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
held in his honour and a purse presented. He was also
allowed a handsome gratuity and three months paid leave. Independence
Major Building Extensions Started The 1960s saw a wave of change occur in colonies
around the world. 1961 saw India marched into Goa and
In 1951 the need for further extensions was very repossessed the province after many fruitless years of
pressing and the lack of sufficient funds which had proved a negotiations with the Portuguese. The Portuguese culture so
deterrent in the past, was fully discussed at various meetings imbued the Goan ethos that it would be many years before the
and it was decided to finance the loan required by voluntary majority of Goans outside Goa came to terms with India. In
loans from members, raising the levies on games, increasing Goa itself, the modernization brought by India made the
the monthly subscription from Shs. 4/- to Shs. 6/- and also people realize the time warp they had lived in.
stepping up the entrance lee from Shs. 50/- to Shs. 100/- from
the following year. A subcommittee under the chairmanship Changes also transpired in Uganda leading up to
of Mr. R. Almeida was appointed to review the building plans independence from Britain in 1962. There was little joint
where necessary. Extensions which were approved at a cost thought given to strategy for the community in the country.
of Shs. 150,000/- provided for the widening of the main hall, Goan families were left to their own thoughts as to whether
separate room for billiards, table tennis, library, office, lounge they wanted to become Uganda citizens and stay in the
and bar and for a terrace. country. Some discussion must have gone on among friends,
but there was little if any general discussion. Politics in
The death occurred in March 1952 of Mr. Norman Uganda were unlike many African countries. The dominant
Godinho, a donor of the Institute and President for many political parties – the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda
years in the past. His contributions both in services and People’s Congress (UPC) were divided more along religious
donations to the Institute are beyond measure. lines – the DP being dominantly Catholic and the UPC
The extension had by now started piecemeal in such a Anglican.
way that the club was never closed for a single day. In view It was estimated that about 32% of the 80,000 Indo-
of the extensions at the Norman Godinho Goan School, some Pakistanis became citizens and in all likelihood this percentage
of the classes were held at the Institute premises. Further applied to Goans too. Many Goans decided that they would
facilities to the sports enthusiasts were provided by the return to Goa, whereas others had acquired British Citizenship
concreting of the 2nd Badminton Court by Mr. Menezes and and had plans to move there in time. However, within two
the preparation of a Volley Ball court. years after Independence the processing of applications for
To augment the funds required for furnishing and other citizenship slowed to a crawl, so it will never be known how
minor improvements, a fete was organized, 5% of the total many actually intended to take up citizenship.
collection being given to the Christ the King Church Fund October 9th, 1962 was a happy day when the new Prime
and 5% to Lacy Cohen Charities. Minister Milton Obote took office. The country was positive as
The Golden Jubilee Year it had a lot going for it. The Civil Service was the most
The first fifty years in retrospect was a fine proof of the efficient in Africa, thanks in a large part on the numerous
Institute's vitality and inner strength and some thing we had Goans who worked in it. The Health Care system was also the
much to be proud of. As the saying "Wisdom of the past is best in Africa. Very few Goans were overtly political and so
life continued to be good. The Kabaka of Uganda became the at the loss to the infrastructure of the country took to
(non-executive) President and head of state. exempting certain classes of people from the Expulsion order.
Non-African citizens of the country continued to be At the Institute there was a sense of resignation about the
treated well. All Ugandan citizens continued to have their chaos that was to follow. However, it was expected that a
education either subsidized or free. Post-secondary education significant portion of the Goan community and other Asians
was free. Goans continued to be promoted to high positions in would remain as some 40% were Uganda Citizens. (Although
the Civil Service – even those who were non-citizens. There early estimates on the number of Asians in the country at the
was little of the Africanization policy that we observed in time pointed to 80,000, in fact many had left over a period of
neighbouring Kenya. three years and it is believed that at most there were 46,000 in
Political Unrest 1972.) A meeting was organized by the Goan Association at
the KGI to examine a joint approach to the Expulsion. It was
The first sign of unrest began when the political alliance decided that the Association would use its reserve funds to
between the UPC and The Kabaka Yekka Party disintegrated. help poor Goans who wanted to return to Goa but were short
In the disagreement that ensued the Prime Minister sacked the of funds to purchase their tickets.
President, abolished the local kingships, changed the
constitution and declared the country a republic, with himself Then General Amin, deciding that not enough Asians
as Executive President. were leaving, announced that those who were Uganda Citizens
would also have to leave. Although he later changed his mind,
To a large extent these troubles left the Goan it was now clear to all what his intentions were. In early
community untouched, but it was a signal to some Goans that September 1972 the United Nations opened mission to accept
it was time to move, especially because applications for stateless refugees and Canada decided to accept those who
citizenship were not being processed. So it was in 1967 that a qualified regardless of citizenship. At this almost everybody
few Goans started moving to the UK, Goa and Canada. By made up their minds to leave.
1970 some 20% of the Goans had left.
The Deadline Arrives
As time progressed the Institute evolved. Africans were
now being given a greater opportunity to take part in political On November 5, 1972 all Asians who were still in the
and economic life of the country. A few became members of country had to register. The number of Goans in the KI were
the Institute and even joined the Executive. As the KGI now down to at most 20% of its previous numbers. And even
admitted more non-Goan members it decided to drop the these would leave in time. Sports continued to be played.
word “Goan” from its name to make it clear that the Institute Sometime between November and December 1972 the
was open to all. Entebbe Institute and the Kampala Institute played what would
Expulsion Of Asians be the last hockey match on the KI field. After this there
weren’t enough players left to play hockey in either club. And
On January 25, 1971 General Idi Amin led the army to with the death of hockey, the death of the Goan community in
overthrow President Milton Obote. For many this was an Kampala couldn’t be far behind.
ominous sign as the armed forces had few skills in leading a
government. However, after some early skirmishes, life
settled down and Goans continued to live normally. It is
perhaps significant that what affected Goans more was that
the civil service work day shifted from a 6-day week (8:00am
to 4:00pm, weekdays and 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays)
to a 5-day week (8:00am to 5:00pm). This extra hour during
the week had a significant impact on sports, a pastime that
Goans just couldn’t get enough of.
The militarization of the country started affecting all
aspects of life and a general deterioration in security started.
Goans continued to have good relations with all. Africans
found the Goans easy-going and we shared a lot in common –
our religion, love of alcoholic beverages, and love of
socializing. KI-EI LAST HOCKEY MATCH LATE 1972
General Amin started using different groups as Where Goans Went to

scapegoats when the Army’s incompetence in running the
country became more obvious. And then it was our turn …. When the Institute was founded in 1910 there were about
200 Goans in Kampala including men women and children. At
On August 4, 1972 General Amin announced that that its peak (in 1960), the population rose to some 6000 Goans in
he had discovered that “Asians” (Indians and Pakistanis) were Kampala and around another 1000 in the rest of the country.
milking the economy and therefore to save the country he was By the time of the Expulsion, the population had dropped to
going to give those Asians who were not Uganda citizens 90 5500 or so. Of this number it is estimated that 1800 went to
days to leave the country. At first people thought this was a India, 1800 to the UK, 900 to Canada, 400 to Australia and the
joke, but slowly it began to sink in and the government took rest to Europe and the USA. These Goans would be a boon to
steps to facilitate this decision. The various Ministers aghast the fledgling Goan communities around the world and
provided talent to the organizing committees and sports Thanks to the persistence of these members, especially
teams, and indeed to the countries that welcomed them. Joe Fernandes, an appeal to the Supreme Court was successful.
Loss of the Building On July 14, 1995 the building was handed over to Jos Almeida
and Joe Fernandes.
Sometime in late 1972 (probably December) around
1:30pm armed Prison Officers surrounded the club. Some And the Future ….?
entered the building and asked Joe Fernandes, Jos Almeida It is not clear what the future lies for the Goan
and a few other members present to leave, stating that the community in Uganda. On November 8, 2008 an article
Government had allocated the building to the Prison Officers. appeared in the Uganda newspaper New Vision “The Goan
Thus ended a chapter in one of the greatest Goan clubs in Legacy... Living On In Uganda” (reprinted herein). We would
East Africa. hope that it is a new beginning, but for those of us who left, we
Regain of the Building know that Uganda was truly our Paradise Lost.
In 1983, four years after the overthrow of the Amin Postscript
regime, the government of the day declared that all During the good times and trying times, the Goans
expropriated Asian properties were to be returned to their always faced life with strong community relationships and a
original owners. A number of members living in Uganda strong acceptance of the providence of God. It led a Bishop of
submitted a claim for repossession, but were rejected. This the Archdiocese of Toronto to say “What would we do without
was the beginning of a fight to reclaim the club. Those the De Souzas and Fernandes’s?” We have and will endure,
involved were Jos Almeida, Joe Fernandes, [the late] Arthur enriching the lives of our members and all those around us in
De Mello and [the late] Professor Joe Carasco. the societies we became part of.
For the period 1910 to 1960, this history used extensive extracts from the history written by John Carneiro for the Golden
Jubilee Brochure. Ed.
EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS
KGI BACHELORS 1927

EARLY PICTURE - UNDATED
1928 - A GROUP SNAP TAKEN ON THE OCCASION OF A FAREWELL PARTY GIVEN TO HIS LORDSHIP
BISHOP BIERMAN ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM UGANDA
LADIES’ DAY 1948

Executive Committees of the KGI

Between 1910 and 1960, the Presidents, Vice-Presidents, (1925), A. Abreo (1924, 1935, 1942), L. Pinto (1936), P.P.
General Secretaries and Treasurers were documented in the Mascarenhas (1937, 1938), M. F. Leitao (1939), Q.
Golden Jubilee brochure. These were: Menezes (1940), Peter Vaz (1941), L.P.D. Alvares (1943),
T. Lobo (1944), M. de Souza (1945), F.X. Lobo (1945),
Presidents: Jacinto de Souza (1910, 1911), S. M. J.C. Rattos (1946), C.J.R. da Costa (1947), R.S.F. Lobo
Alfonso (1912), A. X. Cardozo (1912. 1913, 1916), C. F. da (1948, 1954), Mick C. Abreo (1949), P. Braganza (1949),
Rocha (1914, 1919), M. S. Rodrigues (1915), F. X. John de Souza (1950), A.L.B. Saldanha (1951), Nap
Saldanha (1917), N. Godinho (1918, 1920, 1925, 1938, Remedios (1952), C.A. Lobo (1953), Salu Lobo (1955,
1939, 1940, 1941), J.C.B. de Souza (1921), J. X. de Mello 1956), C. de Souza (1956), J. Falleiro (1957), I. E. Lobo
(1922), A. de Figueiredo (1923), E. Fernandes (1923), Graz (1958, 1959, 1960).
Fernandes ([924), J. B. Pinto (1931), C. M. da Silva (1934),
Marshall de Souza (1935), L. C. de Souza (1936), E. A. Between 1961 and 1963 we have no records
Pinto (1937), A. V. da Costa (1942), R. Almeida (1943,
1945, 1946, 1948), J.C.C.D. Cruz (1944), A. de 1964-1965 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Albuquerque (1947), E. Pinto (1949, 1951), L.P. Saldanha Bob Zuzarte President
(1950), S.X. Menezes (1952, 1956), C. de Souza (1953), F. Francis D’Sa Vice-President
X. Lobo (1954), Dr. M.C. Condillac (1955, 1956), J.C. Peter F. Mendonca General Secretary
Machado (1957), E.A.J. Fernandes (1958). P.I. Pereira Ben D’Sa Assistant General Secretary
(1959, 1960). Epifanio I. Lobo Treasurer
Caesar Fernandes Deputy Treasurer
Vice-Presidents: A. Carrasco (1934), E.A.J. Fernandes Marshall Pereira Assistant Treasurer
(1935, 1947), Philip de Souza (1936, 1937), S.P. de Souza Jos Almeida Social Secretary
(1938), A. da Costa (1939), F.X. Saldanha (1940), Marshall Denis Pereira Assistant Social Secretary
de Souza (1941) J. C. C. da Cruz (1941), C.T.F. Dias Paul D’Souza Assist. Sec. Literary/Cultural
(1943), L.C.A. Carneiro (1944), E. Pinto (1945), J.C. de Andrew Lobo Sports Secretary
Souza (1946), C.C. da Costa (1948), C. de Souza (1948, Anthony D’Souza House member
1951), D. de Souza (1949), P. Braganza (1950), R. Abu d’Souza Member
Mascarenhas (1952), H. de Souza (1953), M. Rodrigues Salvador Menezes Member
(1954, 1959), B.I. de Souza (1954), S.X. Menezes (1955, Joe Martyres Member
1956), L.F. Lobo (1956), F.X. Lobo (1957, 1958), Bob Santana Vaz Auditor
Zuzarte (1959), C.A. Lobo (1960). Salu Lobo Auditor
Antonio Mascarenhas Auditor
General Secretaries: C.F. da Rocha (1912, 1916), A.T.
da Rocha (1912, 1913), P. Castellino (1913), A.B. de Souza
(1913), F.X. Saldanha (1913, 1918, 1920, 1922), J.X. de 1965-1966 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mello (1914), P.M, de Souza (1915), D.R. Abreo (1917), J. E.A.J. Fernandes President
Fialho (1919), S.P. Dias (1920), J.C. Faria (1921), A.B. Marshall Rodrigues Vice-President
Fernandes (1923), D.F. Fernandes (1923), N. Gomes J.U.O. Lobo General Secretary
(1924). A.M. da Cunha (1925), T. de Sa (1931), S.X. Jos Almeida Assistant General Secretary
Menezes (1934), F. de Souza (1935), Peter Vaz (1936), I.E.Lobo Treasurer
F.A.J. Fernandes (1937), J.C. Machado (1938), P.P. Marshall Pereira Deputy Treasurer
Mascarenhas (1939), L. Pinto (1940. 1941), L.F. Lobo Ben D’Sa Assistant Treasurer
(1941), M.T. Henriques (1942), Jack Fernandes (1943), Amaro Mascarenhas Social Secretary
L.P.D. Abreo (1944), C. de Souza (1945), R.A. Lobo Peter Mendonca Literery and Cultural Activities
(1945), F.X. Lobo (1946, 1948), H. de Souza (1947), F.M. Thelma Lobo Literary and Cultural Activities
de Souza (1949, 1950), Salu Lobo (1949, 1953), A.J.P. Carlito Mascarenhas Sports Secretary
Mathias (1951), John B. de Souza (1951), J. Carneiro Antonio Mascarenhas Assistant Sports Secretary
(1952), D. Mendes (1953), M. Morenas (1954), A. Nazareth Aloysius Mathias House Member
(1954). B. J. de Souza (1955). J.G. Pires (1956), R. Correia Paul De Souza Member
(1956, 1957), Nap Remedios (1957, 1958, 1959), Eric de Dolly Oliveira Member
Souza (1959, 1960). Celly Dias Member
1966-1967 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Treasurers: A.X. Cardozo (1912), J.X. de Mello (1912), E.A.J. Fernandes President
A.J. Mascarenhas (1913, 1914), F.X. Saldanha (1915), F.X. Marshall Rodrigues Vice-President
Fernandes (1916, 1918, 1919, 1923), P. B. Saldanha (1917), J.U.O.Lobo General Secretary
A.G. Carvalho (1920), J.M. Deniz (1921), A.G. Antao Jos Almeida Assistant General Secretary
(1922), L. Rodrigues (1923), A. Carrasco (1924), F. Correa
I.E.Lobo Treasurer Mark Vaz Vice-President Sports

Marshall Pereira Deputy Treasurer Ulrico Lobo General Secretary
Ben D’Sa Assistant Treasurer Ben D’Sa Assistant General Secretary
Amaro Mascarenhas Social Secretary I.E.Lobo Treasurer
Peter Mendonca Literery and Cultural Activities Francis D’Lima Asst. Treasurer
Thelma Lobo Literary and Cultural Activities Quiteria Pinto Deputy Treasurer
Antonio Mascarenhas Sports Secretary Celly Dias Sports Secretary
Carlito Mascarenhas Assistant Sports Secretary Anthony Mathias Asst. Sports Secretary
Aloysious Mathias House Member Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary
Paul De Souza Member Camilo d’Souza Asst. Social secretary
Dolly Oliveira Member Ponciano Fernandes Sec. Literary/Cultural activities
Celly Dias Member Greeba Rodrigues Asst. Sec. Literary/Cultural
Hilary D’Souza House Member
1967-1968 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Ramesh Kakad Member
Neru Rodrigues President Peter Paul D’Souza Member
J.B.Moraes Vice-President I.N.D’Souza Auditors
Eric J. D’souza General Secretary D. Mistry Auditors
Phillip D’Souza Asst. Gen. secretary Joe Rodrigues Auditors
I.E.Lobo Treasurer
Manu Pinto Deputy Treasurer 1970 –1971 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Marshall Pereira Asst. Treasurer
Felix D’Mello Sports Secretary Mark Vaz President
Roland Figueiredo Asst. Sports Secretary Ben D’Sa Vice-President Admin.
Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary Remy Britto Vice –President Sports
Pocy Fernandes Asst. Social Secretary Jos Almeida General Secretary
P. Matovu Sec. Social/Cultural Activities Manuel Pinto Asst. General Secretary
C.D’Costa Asst. Sec. Social/Cultural Nobby D’Souza Treasurer
E.A.J Fernandes House Member Dinshaw Mistry Assistant treasurer
D.Batuwa Member Pocy Fernandes Deputy Treasurer
F. Dias Member Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary
Quiteria Pinto Member Felix D’Mello Asst. social secretary
Peter Matovu Sec. Literary/Cultural activities
1968– 1969 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Michael Sequeira Asst. Sec. Literary/Cultural
Milu Rodrigues Sports Secretary
Neru Rodrigues President Wences D’Souza Asst. Sports Secretary
Daniel Batuwa Vice-President –Adm. Delfino Fernandes House member
Joe Lobo Vice-President –Sports Epifanio Lobo Member
Manuel Pinto General Secretary Felix Lobo Member
Phillip D’Souza Asst. General Secretary
Epifanio Lobo Treasurer 1971 – 1972 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Quiteria Pinto Deputy Treasurer Records incomplete.
Leslie D’Souza Asst. Treasurer Aloysius Lobo President
Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary Aloysius Mathias Vice-President Admin.
Pocy Fernandes Asst. Social secretary Epifanio Lobo Treasurer
Celly Dias Sports Secretary Bob Zuzarte
Willie Lobo Asst. Sports Secretary Jos Almeida
Camilo C.D’Souza Sec. Literary/Cultural activities Joe Martyres
Freddie Dias Asst. Sec. Literary/Cultural Antonio Mascarenhas
Francis Lima House member
Frank D’Souza Member 1972/73 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Delphino A. Fernandes Member Records incomplete.
Mark Vaz President
1969– 1970 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Neru Rodrigues Vice-President (Admin)
Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary
Neru Rodrigues President Peter Matovu
Aloysius Mathias Vice-President Administration
KAMPALA (GOAN) INSTITUTE - CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
THURSDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2010
Toronto Harbour Cruise:

A 3 hour cruise on the elegant 3 storey yacht “NORTHERN SPIRIT”.
Pier 6, Queens Quay Terminal Building, 207 Queen’s Quay, Toronto
400 members signed up to enjoy this cruise and a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline.
Feast on a hot dinner buffet with all the trimmings and a fully stocked cash bar. Your first drink is
on the house.
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Please be on board by 6:30 p.m.)
Dress Code: Casual
Live Band and DJ: Chris Lobo/Rhythm Nation Band.
SATURDAY, JUNE 26TH, 2010
Black Tie Dinner-Dance at Pearson Convention Center- Halls A/B/C

Dress Code: Black Tie or formal business attire.
Cocktail Reception 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Patio Area)
A uniformed doorman will welcome you to a fabulous assortment of Hors D’oeuvres/Cold
Canapés served with an assortment of complimentary beverages including Tropical Punch, red
and white wines. You have the option to purchase your choice of alcoholic beverages not served
by circulating waiters. Soft drinks are free.
Music: Lobby pianist, Goa Amigos and DJ Logan
Grand entrance into the professionally decorated ballroom at 7.00 p.m.
Festivities begin with a complimentary glass of Champagne, cutting the centenary cake, and the
Chairman’s Toast to the Founders and KGI members.
M.C. Denis Pereira
You will be dazzled by the lavish gourmet cuisine befitting the exquisitely decorated hall and
ambiance of this Centenary Celebration. Your meal will be served at your table with a
complimentary bottle of red and white wine.
At midnight you will be treated to a table of delicious late night snacks and refreshments to keep
you going.
Dancing to 2:00am
SUNDAY, JUNE 27TH, 2010
Holy Mass and Closing Ceremony - Pearson Convention Center – Halls A & B
Dress Code: Casual
From 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Holy Mass at 1:00 p.m.
Main Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, Deacon: Dr. Terence Da Silva
After Mass, enjoy a fabulous hot and cold luncheon buffet. Cash bar.
Band in attendance: Chris Lobo/Rhythm Nation Band.
Centenary Song: “KGI Forever"

Forever and ever, we always will be
Forever linked, through our history
The years have gone by
A century has passed
Our spirit will live on
Through all eternity
Chorus
May good times and great times
Be with us
Matter not where the place we live
Our founding fathers before us
Their vision and love lives timelessly
Forever and ever, let’s never forget

The good times had
In our borrowed land
The dances and sports
The memories rich
But most of all the bonds of our heritage
Chorus
Forever and ever, this week will remain

Renewed acquaintance
In our new found land
From far away places
We thank all who came
May joy and blessings follow you each glorious day
Chorus
(Repeat the last line)
Composed by Tom and Joan Francis, Errol and Delphine Francis and William Fernandes
Speech by Mr. Y. K. LULE, Minister of Social

Development (and later President of Uganda
in 1979)
CHRISTMAS MASS AT THE KI 1968
CHRIST THE KING CHURCH

PARISH CHURCH FOR MOST OF THE
GOANS IN KAMPALA
RI SPORTS VISIT 1959
WEST GERMAN NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM VISITS THE KI 1972

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS
Towards the end of the first 50 years of the KGI, the stage was set for tremendous "growth" in the life of the KGI. The various
social activities - tombolas on Sundays - the annual Bachelor's Ball, Ladies Day on December 26th, the monthly dances and the
annual Sports Gala dance, the Christmas and New Year dances and even the Christmas midnight Mass, because the Church was
overcrowded, all provided wonderful "boy-meets-girl" opportunities that enhanced the social life of the KGI.
On the sporting side, there were many occasions when neighbouring Goan Clubs from Kenya and Tanzania came on Sports visits
to the KGI. Even though competition was fierce on the sports field, the camaraderie was great after the game, particularly at the
KGI bar where Abdul was ever so willing and never tired to serve all the patrons. Locally, we had several tournaments in
Uganda - in tennis, badminton, table tennis, cricket and hockey at which our players honed and polished their skills and worked
hard to maintain the Founders' motto: Nulli Secundus.
Tennis: Two players - father S. P. Dias (1935) and son Celly Dias (1953), had won the Uganda Open tennis Men's Single trophy
several years apart. This was followed by Al Mathias and Denis Pereira winning the Uganda Open Men's Doubles trophy. In
addition, the KGI tennis team won the Kampala & District Tennis League tournament and our players Denis Pereira and Al
Mathias won the men's singles and doubles trophies in the Entebbe Open tennis tournaments. And all our tennis players fared
very well in the various Open tournaments.
Field Hockey: We participated in the Entebbe Goan Institute (EGI) and Bandali Jaffer annual tournaments and also practiced
hard for the East African premier, multi club tournament in Nairobi, the annual M. R. D'Souza Gold Cup. The EGI Hockey
league and the Bandali Jaffer Hockey trophy provided our players with many inter-club competitions. The KGI teams won
several of these and they were teams hard to beat. The highlight of the hockey season was, of course, the club's participation in
the M.R. D'Souza Gold Cup Hockey Tournament in Nairobi, which the KGI won in 1957, and provided strong opposition in the
ensuing years that they entered the tournament. This tournament brought the cream of hockey players and Clubs to the event and
winning the trophy was indeed a fine achievement!
Cricket: The Lowis Cup tournament and the annual Triangular tournament - Europeans, Asians and Goans - was later expanded
to the Quadrangular Cricket tournament when the Asians were split into Muslims and Asians - and it was then changed to the
Pentangular Cricket, when the African side was included. This was all great fun for the players as well as for the spectators! And
we dare say that our KGI cricketers, together with players from other Goan clubs, Entebbe, Soroti and elsewhere in Uganda,
were always a force to be reckoned with! When the Goan XI beat the very formidable and experienced European XI in 1953,
they were rightly called and referred to as the Giant Killers!
NATIONAL REPRESENTATIONS
(Note: The following list is compiled from the memories of players and others. It is quite possible that there may be errors and
omissions and we regret that. There is no intention to omit giving credit to any of our sportsmen and women)
Badminton: Hildebrand Dias represented Uganda in all RSL badminton tournaments held since 1961 between Kenya, Kenya
Coast and Tanzania. He captained the Uganda Team and also acted as team manager, represented Uganda against the National
Malaysian Badminton team and the Indian National Team when they visited Uganda.
In the women's side, Rena Dias and Norma D'Souza also represented Uganda in the mixed doubles and ladies' double matches.
Women's Hockey: The following KGI women represented Uganda at various times: Zulema de Souza *, Delphine Francis (nee
D'Souza), Ella Gomes *, Clara D'Mello *, Eurema Colaco, Elizabeth Pereira.
(* indicates that they also represented Uganda in Delhi at the 1st Asian Women's Hockey Championship in 1968.)
Zulema also represented the African XI against the Asian XI in India, in 1968.
The other KGI women players who played in the "B" team (not in the National Team but accompanied the national Uganda XI,)
who merit honourable mention are: Laura Carvalho, Adelaide D'Souza, Dolly Pereira, Betty Lima, Celine Coelho, Edith Dias,
Adriana Anne D'Souza and Nita Lobo (nee D'Souza).
Men’s Hockey: Our players provided the backbone of the Uganda Squad and the following players represented Uganda in the
different years - some of them for several years running! They were: Victor Pereira (1948-52), Michael Texeira (1948-52),
Willie Lobo (1959-72), Joe Lobo (1954-72), Al Mathias (1952-66), Josy Pereira (1956-66), Poly Pereira (1952-72), Roland
Colaco (1954-72), The above players were also part of the different East African representative teams. The other national
players were Abu D'Souza, Chris Pereira, Roger Gomes, Felix Britto (1952-59), Charlie D'Souza (1959) , Donat D'Souza (1969),
Denis Pereira (1969), Osbert Remedios (1969), Remy Colaco, Lewellyn D'Costa, Leslie D'Costa, Novarro Quadros, Stan De
Souza and Donat De Souza.
Willie Lobo, Poly Pereira and George Moraes were the three KGI/KI Members who represented Uganda in the Uganda Hockey
Olympic Squad in Munich in 1972.
Table Tennis: Hildebrand Dias, Anthony Mathias, Canute Mathias and Dolly Pereira represented Uganda in table tennis and
fared very well. Dolly Pereira also won the East African Triple Crown - singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles - while
Anthony Mathias won the East African Men's Singles Trophy. Novarro Quadros partnered Tony Rodrigues (of Jinja) and won
the Uganda Junior Doubles title (1960-62).
Squash: Caji DeSouza represented Uganda in two rubber matches against Kenya in 1972.
Cricket: The following KGI members represented Uganda in Cricket: John Sequeira (1947 - '59), Michael Texeira (1947 - '59),
Charlie D'Souza (1958 - '68), Al Mathias (1957), Lawrence Fernandes, Celly Dias (1961), Peter De Souza, Carlito Mascarenhas
and Edwin Fonseca.
Snooker and Billiards: The enthusiasm and coaching in the KGI, for Billiards and Snooker, was led by experienced players like
Patrocin Abreo, Deoniz D'Souza, Theo and his brother Philip D'Souza. The sport caught on fast and players like Vito Mendonca,
Cary Sequeira, Milo Pinto, Anthony Mathias, Eric Gunputhrav, and others achieved very good skills.
KGI members Andy Lobo and Reuben Rebello represented the Uganda team of ten players that played against the Nairobi Goan
Gymkana and the Mombasa Institute and gave creditable performances. Vito Mendonca was the runner-up to Eddie Rodrigues in
the Uganda Open; he also had the privilege to play Wilson Jones, the world amateur champ in an exhibition game.
Darts: One very enthusiastic player was Mr. D A Fernandes who always had his darts ready at hand to give anyone a challenge!
This game took off in the '60s and its popularity grew so much that from one Dart Board we ended up having Ten boards to cater
to the appetite of the members. The KGI team entered several local matches, most notably against the Entebbe GI, where the
games were always so very competitive. In the first Uganda Open Darts tournament (1971) the finalists with two KI members –
Ferdie Rodrigues and Poly Pereira, with Ferdie prevailing. Ferdie was also presented the Golden Dart Award in the same
tournament for score 3 triple 20’s twice. The following year Ferdie won the Uganda open doubles title together with Helen De
Mello (of Entebbe).
Tennis: Celly Dias represented Uganda in the team against Kenya in 1956. There weren't any international matches per se after
that, since the annual Uganda Open Tennis Championships attracted several foreign players not only from Kenya but also from
Nigeria, Russia, Australia and India.
Sports Achievements Among Our Descendants in Canada
In Field Hockey we have been represented in the Canadian National Team by Kevin Pereira, Cedric Vaz, Shaun De Souza, John
De Souza, Carlton Mathias (Canadian Juniors) and Wayne Fernandes (who has just achieved his 200th cap). David Nazareth
attained his F.I.H. Crown (Grade 1) rating as Canada’s premier umpire (1979-94) and umpired several international tournaments.
We had the delight of having Wayne De Souza represent Canada in the 2008 Olympics together with John De Souza who was a
coach of that team. John is currently the coach of the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey national team.
Daryn De Souza play for Halifax’s St Francis Xavier University (Nova Scotia) team in the Vanier Cup Final (Canadian
Football) in the late 1990s.
Several of our women and men have also represented their provincial teams.
Sports Review prepared by Al Mathias

WINNERS – GOLD CUP 1957
1968 GOLD CUP RUNNER-UP

1948 TRIANGULAR - TEXEIRA CAPTAINS GOAN IX VS EUROPEAN XI

OLYMPIANS 1972 – GEORGE MORAES, POLY

PEREIRA, WILLY LOBO
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
The forced immigration to other parts of the world compelled/enabled our Goan members to pursue further studies to allow them
to enhance their positions and level in the corporate or business sectors. It also provided their children with much greater
opportunities than if they were in Uganda and this has all resulted in many of our members achieving/enhancing their
educational qualifications. It also enriched Goan organizations around the world with organizational talent.
Leaders In Other Goan Organizations Post-1972
Among the organizations we have provided:

• Presidents of GOA Ontario were former members or their descendants: Martin A C Rodrigues, Zulema DeSouza, John
Nazareth, John Noronha, Errol Francis, David Nazareth, Oscar Furtado.
Note: Zulema De Souza during her term organized the world’s first International Goan Convention in 1988. Denis Pereira as VP Sports organized
in 1986 the largest and most successful Gold Cup Tournament (in terms of number of international teams and spectators) in Toronto.
• Presidents of GOA Vancouver: Vinolt Antao, Peter Paul De Souza, Benny Fernandes, Willie Lobo, Mike Sequeira,
Mark Vaz, Vilasini Pinto nee Antao, Sam Correia, Chris Da Silva, Cleto Dos Remedios, Shona Lobo,
• Quebec Goan Associaton: Neru Rodrigues, Jerome De Souza, Phyl Gomes, Rose De Souza (Presidents).
• Presidents of Other Goan Associations: Melinda Fernandez nee Sequeira (Hamilton Goan Association), Cecil Pereira
(Goan Association UK), Chappie Lobo (GOA Perth), Mark D’Souza, Joseph De Lima, Alban Rattos and Laura Rattos
nee Carvalho (GOA NSW) and numerous other positions in Executives.
Arts/Academics: We have around the world among our members and descendants several professors and associate professors,
in fields as diverse as Literature, Anthropology, Agriculture, Mathematics, Law, Medicine, Pathology, Travel & Tourism, artists,
writers.
Professional/Business: Among our numbers are Engineers (Civil, Electrical, Nuclear, Electronics, Systems, Aeronautics,
Reliability), Lawyers, Physicians, Chartered Accountants, Real Estate moguls, journalists, TV and Radio personalities and
producers, clergy etc..
They have risen to become Principals of schools, Senior Corporate Executives in the business sectors and holders of senior
management positions in the Government and non-profit sectors.
MEMORIES OF THE KI
In this section we have a number of articles and extracts of articles and novels, that either allow us remember the KI, or show us
how the Expulsion of Asians impacted Goan organizations around the world.
Extract of History of G.O.A. Ontario Written in 1995 pertaining to the Expulsion
Within two years of striking roots on Canadian soil, the GOA This influx of Goans increased the numerical strength of
was put to the test when the Canadian government accepted GOA. (Metalia Paul recalls the women’s hockey team
more than 7000 Asians, including 800 Goans, expelled from members savouring the thought of increasing the numbers of
Uganda in 1972. The GOA worked closely with federal their team as there were a half-dozen former Uganda National
agencies, sponsoring many families and helping some players among the refugees.)
families settle in Toronto. Alvaro (Al) Saldanha, who was the
then Treasurer of the GOA attended meetings of the The influx of Goans from Uganda in 1972 turned out to be
government’s Toronto Uganda Committee regularly, made part of a major movement of Goans in response to
numerous calls to Neru Rodrigues, [former] President of the liberalization of Canadian immigration policy in the 70s.
Kampala [Goan] Institute, to collect names of people who Between 1970 and 1975 the total population of Goans in the
were having difficulty getting visas, and arrange letters of GTA increased from approximately 800 to 5000, with many
sponsorship through the Immigration Ministry. Many arriving Goans coming from Burma, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Malawi,
Goans will attest to the joy of being met by Al’s friendly face the Middle East, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda
at the airport. and Zambia among others. Today [1995] the population in the
GTA stands at around 10000.
Remembering the KGI

I cannot let this centenary go by without saying what their beloved Goa, India, to start a new life and family in
the Kampala Goan Institute meant to me. My parents left Kampala, Uganda. Neither of them could have anticipated
the culture shock of a new country and the adjustments they greatest achievement was the lasting friendships it created.
would have to make. They had left their relatives and friends To-date, members all over the world have a very strong bond
behind and were now in a strange land, with no connection to and camaraderie. We are like one big extended family. It is
the people they were meeting. truly amazing that what the founder members envisioned as a
My dad quickly sought out a few other families who place to meet, is filled, one hundred years later, with happy
were in a similar predicament, and was then introduced to the memories and yet sadness, not knowing the fate of the
KGI. Slowly they built relationships and as the family grew, building they worked so hard to build.
they quickly settled into their new way of life. Not only did While we all have moved on in our new country, the KGI
they enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Club, but will always have a special place in our hearts.
we, their five daughters, continued to reap the benefits until
the famous Idi Amin Exodus. “May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever
The KGI was not just a social entity. It was a forum remember what is best forgotten”
for culture, education, sports and much, much more. There
were good times, great times and not so good times. Its Greta Dias (nee George)
Poly Pereira, Our Hero

Poly Pereira was the hockey hero of my youth. Whether he circle. Neither of the umpires could see well-enough what
was playing for the Kampala Goan Institute, Entebbe Goan was happening. Poly sizing up the situation deftly picked the
Institute, or the Uganda National team, he was a delight to ball in hand and tossed it into the goal. Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
watch. The highlights were his humour, stick-work,
teamwork and sportsmanship. I cannot ever remember him None of the players will confirm this story, so you will have
initiating “dirty” play, and yet he would score goals. He was to trust my eyes seeing through the dust.
quick thinking with a bit of mischief never total out of his
mind. In 1972 when Uganda sent a team to the Olympics for the
first time, Poly was at 40 already past his prime. But Poly’s
My favourite memory was this match of the KGI versus Sikh 70% was better than most people’s 100%, and even at 40
Union around 1968 on the KGI field at Nakasero Hill. There everybody wanted him in - and in he went. Gordie Howe
was real confusion in the SU circle with dust all over the air, would have been proud.
so thick that one could hardly see. (To the unfamiliar, most
hockey pitches in Uganda were clay courts.) There must have John Nazareth
been 5 KGI attackers and 5 SU defenders in that small half
A Dance In The Goan Institute

A dance in a Goan Institute used to be rather formal. that a couple moved 17 miles round the floor during that
The dance usually starts at 9 p.m., which means that the band dance. "All that distance and they got nowhere," he said).
starts playing around nine-thirty and couples start drifting in The band plays a set of three pieces-say three
at a quarter-to-ten. quicksteps. Each piece lasts three or four minutes. The band
The People are semi-formally dressed in attractive takes a break and the couples return to their seats, the men
dresses or suits. The couples sit on chairs placed around the saying "Thank you very much" and "May I get you a drink?"
dance floor or around small tables. If they sit around the Then the next dance starts-a set of three foxtrots. And
dance floor, the men usually vanish to the bar. They then hold the dancing starts. A break. A set of three rhumbas. Break.
their drinks and watch from the side-lines until somebody Three Shake/Soul. Break. A mild set of African dances.
gathers up the nerve to commence dancing. Break.
Then the men go up to the ladies of their choice (they There is no eroticism in Goan dances. Rather, whatever
dance with the wife first) and say, "May I have the next eroticism exists is submerged and can only be detected when
dance, please?" The reply is usually, "Yes," in which case a wolf like Joaquim D'Costa is dancing with a long-married
they go around the floor in varying degrees of happiness. (Not lady. And there is no break in the civilised behaviour, except
Fortunato D'Mello, who never took up dancing. When I asked for the inevitable fight around the bar, which ends by
him why, he said that he one day counted the number of times somebody bringing the warring factions together over a drink
a couple went round the dance floor. He then estimated the or by somebody being thrown out.
length and breadth of the floor. After which, he calculated
An extract from the novel “In A Brown Mantle” by Peter Nazareth. The novel was prophetic about the Expulsion. It was
published by the East African Literature Bureau and was launched in Kampala two weeks before the Expulsion was announced.
THE BANDS THAT MADE OUR DANCES SWING
BENNETT DIAS AND THE DIATONES RHYTHM KINGS ORCHESTRA
THE MELODY MAKERS

MELODY MAKERS
THE DRIFTERS
We regret not having a picture of “Nobby & His Band”, probably

the greatest band of its time. Its members were Nobby De Souza
(Guitar), Pela (trumpet), Anthony De Mello (saxophone), Henry
Rodrigues (bass), BA Leitao (drums). Many of them can be seen
playing with some of the other bands whose pictures are here.
A Dance In The Goan Institute - Continued

In many cases, at the end of a Saturday night dance, when there was no cricket match scheduled for the next day, Sunday, and
the dance ended at 5.00AM, quite a few fun loving bachelors would stay behind and with the help of a couple of the single girls
alternately playing the piano, they would continue singing their hearts out with their favourite songs, and have loads of fun and
laughter right until the break of dawn, and then go straight for the 7.00AM Mass before going home to bed!
Al Mathias
Michael Texeira - KGI's and one of East Africa's finest Sportsmen

Michael Texeira, to my recollection, is one of KGI's reflected that. Michael has captained the Uganda Goan XI
and East Africa's finest sportsmen! The rarely accomplished and represented the Uganda Goans on several occasions and
bowling feat of 10 wickets in an innings, and for 42 runs, also represented the Uganda National Cricket team, together
against a well known Kampala club, as printed in the Uganda with John Sequeira (affectionately known as "Chuck"), for
Argus below took place on July 25th, 1959. And it would be several years.
difficult to find any comparable achievement! In hockey, he was the KGI centre half. And untiring
Whenever Michael went in to bat, no matter if it was a player who helped offense and defense and his pushes to the
club match or a quadrangular game, there were cheers from wingers were a delight. His stick work and tackling skills
the non-partisan crowds: "Texeira, Texeira", because they were crafty and, as centre half, his distribution of the ball
wanted to see the excitement of his batting skills, and there created the required openings for our forwards. He did not
was great expectation. And Michael rarely disappointed the have to take a big swing to hit the ball to the "outers", one
crowds. His batting was a pure delight to watch, whether it
was a scintillating carpet drive to mid-off or mid-on, or a
well-timed glance down the leg for four or a square cut way
past the third man or a mighty loft for six - all these brought
the crowds to their feet shouting encouragement for
more! Everybody in Uganda knew Texeira! And his walk to
the batting crease was always cheered because no matter
whether he faced a fast bowler or a spinner, his batting was a
sheer delight! He has indeed scored many runs but I have no
records at hand.
My most vivid memory of him was when we faced the
"mighty" European Team in the Triangular cricket
tournament played on a neutral ground, the Jinja Recreation
Club, in 1953. The duo of McAdam and Wild were at the
peak of their careers with the new "swing" bowling in vogue.
The Goan team went in to bat and lost a quick wicket at 11
runs. Michael, who usually came in to bat two or three down,
was sent after we lost the first wicket. And true to his
reputation, Michael did not waste time - McAdam or Wild,
in-swing or out-swing, Michael hit them all over the field to
the great delight of the whole crowd! His 50 runs in 20
minutes was a record for a game of that stature! And I
watched all this at close quarters, since I was the batsman at
the other end, quietly holding up my end while Michael did
all the devastation! He was finally caught at deep third man
by the opposing team captain, Col. Bill Gordon, but not strong push through the gaps with those strong wrists and
before he had set the stage for the other batsmen, like the winger was off the mark! Michael represented Uganda
John Sequeira who followed him and scored 133 runs, to and an East African XI in the late 40s.
carry on piling on the runs. Needless to say we beat the To many of us, hockey and cricket players, who came
European XI in that 3-day match, what a victory! And that after him, he was our shining example, one to emulate! He
win resulted in the Goans being named: the "Giant Killers"! was a true sportsman on and off the field; he played hard and
Michael was a slim and wiry sportsman, with most importantly, he played clean! Socially, he was a good
exceptionally strong wrists, never failing in stamina and he dancer and possessed an excellent singing voice, composing
had tremendous hand-eye coordination. He put variety in his his own songs when posted to the border Customs
bowling and often confused the opposing batsman by varying posts.Michael now lives in Mississauga and has completed
his pace. He controlled his length beautifully and if he placed 92 years. We wish him all the very best of health and
one of us fielders to stand close to the batsman, we could be happiness.
sure that he was very cognizant of our safety and his bowling Al Mathias
MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES BY/ABOUT MEMBERS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS
A Search for an Identity: Catholic Goans - How they fit in a predominantly Hindu India.
This paper resulted from a detailed examination, that the study of Goa would add another interesting
including historical events, of the path that led Catholic dimension to an already diverse India. Goa has endured
Goans to where they are today. I undertook to write this paper many conquests has been under foreign rule for a longer
because I realized while studying the Anthropology of South period of time than any other state in India. If anthropology
East Asia, in particular India, I knew very little about India is the study of the human condition and socio-anthropology
and even less about Goa and belonging to what J. Correia is the study of human society and behaviours, then Goa has a
Afonso S.J. noted as "this sub-culture called Christian Goan" wealth of as yet unexplored avenues to offer for study . One
it was something I thought I should explore. I was also such example would be the effect of liberation on Goan
curious to find out what place a Catholic Goan had in a Hindu society from Portuguese rule. Was it liberation or just an
state and nation. What was / is the connection? exchange of masters? Another interesting study would be the
effects of the increased tourism and development on the local
I had always argued that Catholic Goans did not have a population.
unique culture, in the sense defined by noted anthropologist,
E.B.Tylor, that culture is something that "…. includes For 450 years Catholic Goans lived in a relatively
knowledge, belief, art, morals, law customs and any other stable society. Outside influences, other than that of the
capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of Portuguese, were minimal. The early 20th century saw an
society" (Daniels, 1996: 194). I believe that tradition and increase in emigration of Goans, Catholic and Hindu, to
culture are not the same thing but are often spoke of as being other parts of India, British Africa, and the Middle East.
one and the same. Traditions are practices that are passed When they returned to Goa they brought with them new
down from generation to generation and they may change in habits, practices and ideas but their effect was minimal on
certain aspects through the course of time but the foundation the local culture. Since 1961, with liberation, Goa has
will always remain the same, much like a Christmas tree undergone many changes and Catholic Goans are
which may be decorated differently every year, but the tree, increasingly becoming a very small minority. Urbanization
the foundation, is still the same. Culture on the other hand is and development continues to cause the displacement of
not something fixed. It is always evolving and changing as local people from their natal villages and has brought an
new ideas, influences and experiences are introduced to a influx of people from other Indian states looking for work in
society. For example, a Catholic Goan in Goa has a different the expanding tourist trade. Tourism has also brought in non-
"culture" from a Catholic Goan in Bombay as a Catholic Indian investors and retirees looking for "holiday homes", all
Goan in England has a different "culture" from Catholic Goan at the expense of the indigenous Goan population.
in Uganda, because all of them have been exposed to different Hindu influence in Goa has increased, religiously,
influences in their respective social environments. The socio- politically and economically. Catholic Goans are no longer
cultural environment of each will determine their behaviours "the privileged" they were under Portuguese rule and they
and practices and no two will be exactly alike. Daniels said co-exist relatively peacefully with their fellow Goans, be
culture has a dialogic aspect, it is not a given, but something they Hindu or Muslim. Today Catholicism is still very much
that is co-created between peoples in close contact. (198). a part of Goa and therefore, by extension, India. However, if
It was not enough to start this paper with the conquest Catholic Goans in Goa are to continue to enjoy religious
by Portugal in 1510 because Goa and its people existed long freedom and the rich syncretic heritage they have developed,
before that. In order to answer the questions I had with traditions and histories should be passed on from one
respect to Catholic Goans in Goa and their relation to Hindu generation to the next, not just in India but all over the world.
Goans and the rest of India, where they came from and their They must also continue to be open to new peoples, growing
"unique culture " I had to examine Goa's history from the and changing as the world around them changes, but with a
beginning. O.J.F Gomez noted that there is a "woeful lack of view to preserving and protecting their heritage, their
information regarding Goa". This lack of information has also traditions and values in the face of those who would deny
led to a lack of knowledge amongst Goans in the diaspora them their rightful place in Goa, India and hence their
about their own heritage. Not too long ago most people did identity.
not know where Goa was and, if they did, it was often known As I noted before, before I started this paper I was
as a Portuguese outpost or a place where the hippies of the happy thinking I knew a lot about Goa and who Goans were
60s went to party and obtain cheap drugs. Today it is famous because my family is Goan and I have visited Goa a few
for its beaches, a very popular tourist destination. Robert S. times. I soon came to realize I knew as little as, and in some
Newman once said that he " .. ..realized that Goa, as in such cases much less , than those people I spoke to, those to
places as Mexico and Mauritius (just to name a couple), whom I proclaimed myself a "proud Goan". I have learned
contact between two civilizations had created a fascinating much, not just from other Goans who were kind enough to
synthesis, one that had been steadfastly slighted by guide me but also non-Goans who educated me on who
anthropologists, who wanted to study "pure" India ...."(Peace Goans are and what it means to be a Goan. I can now say
Corp website, 2003). South Asian studies have on the whole with justifiable pride that I am a Goan with a rich history and
ignored Goa for reasons unknown to me. However, I submit heritage and I belong to an ancient civilization, not unlike
that of the Chinese. Goa is part of the Indian civilization that Indian". The writing of this paper has not only helped me
has lasted centuries while other, so called "Great understand and place my ethnicity in India but it has also
Civilizations" like that of the Romans and Greeks, crumbled. helped me discover an identity.
To quote a friend "A Goan is an Indian, but like no other
Extract of a paper prepared by Giselle Dias in 2007 for a degree program in the University of Toronto.
For full article go to the link:
http://www.goatoronto.com/images/stories/stock/catholic-goan-research-paper.pdf
THE ORIGIN OF THE GOMESI/BUSUUTI

The Gomesi or Busuuti (as the dress is alternatively doing manual work, so Miss
known) is the defacto national dress of Uganda. It is an Allen sought a better design to
elegant and colourful floor-length dress. However, up to now preserve the modesty of the
anyone who peruses through the web for the origins of the pupils5. AG did that by adding
dress would be unclear as to when it was designed - dates a yoke to the design6.
vary between 1905 and the 1940s - and who exactly designed In the interview7 with
it other than it was a man called Gomes. When Ella and John CM Gomes, he recalled
Gomes asked me to write an article about the Gomesi and the clearly that the Gomesi did
part played by their father, Caetano Milagres Gomes (CM), I not become popular with the
thought that it was all quite straightforward. Instead, it turned masses until the wife of
out to be a detective story and the process of finding out Kabaka Daudi Chwa II wore
turned out to be quite exciting. So come and journey with me. it for the Kabaka’s coronation
When was it designed and by whom? – and it was he that had stitched her dress. That the Kabaka’s
future wife, Irene Drusilla Namaganda, came to Gomes to
The story starts out with the birth of Gayaza High stitch her dress was not as surprising as it may seem at first.
School1 in 1905 and Miss Alfreda Allen, the Headmistress According to Cox et al “… and when the Kabaka was
asking a tailor, Mr. Gomes to design a uniform for her girls. looking for a wife, it was to Gayaza that he came …”8 As a
Reading through an article based on an interview with former student of Gayaza, Miss Namaganda would have
CM Gomes2, he appeared to be unclear about whether it was known the Gomes brothers well.
he or his elder brother Anton Gloria Gomes (AG), both of The Gomesi has some aspects of Victorian/Edwardian
whom were working together, who designed the dress. CM dresses (those puffed sleeves) and some aspects of the sari
recalled that it was his elder brother AG who talked to Miss that Gomes was familiar with from his homeland – Goa,
Allen as AG was already stitching uniforms for Gayaza when India. A sash was also added around the waist to accentuate
CM first came to Kampala to join his brother in 1908. But in the feminine figure. The embellishment of the original school
that same interview his memory gave indirect clues as to uniform would only make sense - if the Kabaka’s queen
when and how the dress came to be. was going to use it, CM wanted something special.
So the earliest that the Gomesi Kabaka Chwa’s coronation took place in 1914 and
could have been designed was in 1905 hence it is this year that should be honoured as the birth-year
as that was when Gayaza High School of the Gomesi.
opened. However, Gayaza first used the
“suuka”3 4made of bark-cloth as a So the design of the dress came about because history
school dress in 1905. Furthermore AG brought together the Gomes brothers, Miss Allen and Miss
Gomes first came to Uganda from Goa Namaganda – and CM Gomes had the honour of stitching
India in 1905 as well, and would have that first dress. It is possible that the design evolved further
just started his tailoring business, so it after 1914.
is unlikely that it was designed then. CM GOMES IN 1981 The Gomes Brothers and Their Descendants
Sometime between 1905 and 1908 Ms A short history of the Gomes’ Tailors shop - AG
Allen approached AG Gomes to make a “suuka” of cotton as Gomes came to Uganda in 1905 and started a tailoring
it was more durable. The next phase came to resolve the business in the corner of a store in the district of Mengo. In
problem of the “suuka” unraveling when the students were 1908, after CM Gomes joined his brother, a store was opened
under the sign-board “A.G. Gomes & Brother”. AG Gomes
1
Gayaza High School was formed as a boarding school for girls by Anglican
died in 1928, leaving the business and his three children in
lay missionaries. the care of his brother CM Gomes. AG’s wife also died
2
A short interview by the Uganda Argus with Mr. CM Gomes in December
1967.
3 5
“Gayaza High School – The First Ninety Years” – Edited by Joan Cox, Ibid Footnote 3.
6
Brenda Richards and Sheelagh Warren. According to Ella Gomes, this is what her father told her.
4 7
Also, interesting letter by Mr. S. J. Luyimbazi-Zake’s letter to Uganda Ibid Footnote ii plus recollections from Ella and John Gomes.
8
Argus in December 1967. Ibid Footnote 3.
suddenly, three months after her husband. Gayaza’s uniforms Toronto in 1981. Besides his six children, he had six
were all stitched at the store for many years. In 1918, the grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom
store moved to Kampala Road opposite the Uganda Herald live in Canada.
office. The final location was on Kampala Road opposite the AG Gomes and his wife Felecidade had 3 children
Kampala Institute. After two robberies at the store, the Joseph, Placido and Antoinette – all of whom have passed
business closed down in the late 1960’s. away. He has nine grandchildren and eight great-
In 1972 during the Expulsion of Asians from Uganda, grandchildren that live across the United Kingdom, Kenya
CM Gomes and his children Marcella and Mathew (now and the USA.
deceased), Roger and Ella (and later his son John) moved to The Gomes family members were very proud and
Toronto, Canada to join his daughter Julie who had married honoured at hearing that a postage stamp had been issued in
John D’Sa and moved there a few years earlier. CM’s wife Uganda in December 2007 to celebrate the “Gomesi”.
Anna had died in Kampala in 1955. CM Gomes died in
Extract of an article first published by John Nazareth in the Uganda newspaper “New Visions” on 25 April 2010. Link:
http://www.sundayvision.co.ug/detail.php?mainNewsCategoryId=7&newsCategoryId=651&newsId=717398
KITANTE PICNIC
REMEMBERING THE UGANDA ASIAN EXPULSION OF 1972

and the officer almost tore it up. I pleaded for time to find the
In August 1972 we had just returned from a driving original, noticing from the corner of my eye an old classmate
holiday, my friends Ralph Cordeiro, Colin Franco, Maurice from St. Mary’s College as immigration officer two booths
Fernandes and I. We had been in neighbouring Kenya taking in down. I rushed over to him: "Hey Katabula, are you there".
Nairobi and Mombasa. Cynthia, my girlfriend (and future wife) "Hey Nazareth, throw it over." Stamp! Stamp! My brother
had a few days earlier left on a holiday to the UK. We were still David and I were verified. Peter was subsequently exempted
in a holiday spirit returning from Jinja from Ken Antao's 21st from the Expulsion as he held a senior government post, also in
Birthday Party in Jinja when we caught a snippet on the radio the Ministry of Finance. Ruth could stay as her husband Cyril
"President Amin has a dream ... Asians are to be expelled from had his citizenship verified, but she had to resign from her job.
Uganda". We don't think much of it - must be some joke. But Given that I had thrown in my lot with Africans, this was a
as the days passed it slowly sank in. heartbreak.
I was working for the Ministry of Finance and And so it went with everyone. And the deadline
Planning as a Statistician. At a young age I was in charge of approached.
collecting and publishing Uganda's trade statistics, preparing
If it were not so serious the Expulsion could be funny.
background to the national Budget; it was a great job and times
President Amin would one day be expelling more and more
were good. I was contributing to my country in a way I did not
categories of people, and the next day his ministers would be
think possible. I was a first class citizen with no complaints.
exempting more and more subcategories, being horrified at the
Socially, life was also good. I was the Sports loss to the country. One day it was British Asians, another day
Secretary and Hockey Captain of the Entebbe [formerly all Asians - citizens included. Several Ugandans implored
"Goan"] Institute. Everything centred around the Club. We President Amin not to expel citizens. President Nyerere of
were still primarily involved with Goans, but Uganda was Tanzania offered to take in any Ugandan citizen who was
integrating. I had studied at an African Highschool (St Mary's expelled. President Amin relented and we were allowed to stay.
College) run by Canadian missionaries, and attended Makerere
But with so many losing their citizenship, what to do?
University there with African colleagues. Africans members
The Goans met at the Kampala [Goan] Institute to discuss
constituted 30% of the Entebbe Institute - primarily Civil
strategy. The meeting was being led by senior members of the
Servants as Entebbe was the centre of the government. In
community like Neru Rodrigues, Mark Vaz and Aloysius Lobo.
addition to Goans, we had every kind of members: every tribe
The Goan Association used its saved funds to pay for fares out
of Uganda (Baganda, Basoga, Luo, etc), all types of other
of Uganda for the poor. My brother Peter and I formed the
Indians (Ismailis, Boras, Gujaratis, Sikhs, etc.), and others
centre of those who wanted to stay. We thought that we should
(British, Israelis, ...) Friendship was quickly becoming
form a group to fight back for the citizenships lost. It ended
raceless. Indeed, the newly elected President of the club, Dr
with us fully expecting a core of us to remain behind.
Peter Tukei, would have been elected regardless of the
Expulsion; he was a very popular person and had previously Then in September 1972 came the UN to take stateless
been Vice-President. people, and Canada to take anybody (ie regardless of
citizenship) who wanted to leave and who qualified. All of a
Life during the Expulsion turned upside down. Times
sudden there was a new game in town. Everybody was going to
were tough; but in a strange way it was a happy period, an
leave now. Well almost everybody. My family stubbornly
intense period. We truly lived like there was no tomorrow.
decided to stay put.
Most of my family members were Uganda citizens, we thought
we would be staying. But my mother, my aunt and many other Meanwhile my Permanent Secretary (Deputy
would be leaving. (My mum and [late] dad had always thought Minister) I.K. Kabanda called me to his office and said "John, I
that they were "too old" to be taking on a new citizenship, not want you to know that not all Africans hate you. We hope and
fully realizing then the implications.) And for citizens, we still pray that this will soon be all over so that you can lead a normal
had to go through the process of verifying our citizenship. The life. You can come in to work when you wish, and leave when
Uganda government took every technicality to take away our you wish." I will never forget his graciousness (and made it a
citizenship. point to seek him out when I returned to Uganda 21 years later).
I remember queuing outside the Immigration Young as I was (25 years) I ended up being the Club
department, sleeping on the streets for 36 hours with my two volunteer barman, together with Claude De Souza. The bar - the
brothers and sister, brother-in-law and friends. My brother centre of stories. Chris Ssengendo was there one night with his
Peter was subdued. His Renunciation of British Citizenship had cousin visiting from Kampala. His cousin's eyes were red. I
been mishandled by the Uganda government several years ago inquire with Chris. "Don't ask. He works at the dreaded
as he had been one of the first to become Ugandan. He Makinde Prison. He had orders to spend all of last night
expected trouble, and was right; his citizenship was withdrawn. executing [political] prisoners with a hammer to the head." We
My sister Ruth lost her citizenship on some pretext. I almost Asians were being expelled, but black Ugandans were being
lost mine because I only had a photocopy of my citizenship, slaughtered.
Everyone is leaving as the deadline approaches. Lydia in Canada, sister Ruth left to join my mother (now in
Cousin Joan and Tom Francis are getting married, rush to London) ahead of Cyril. Now it dawns on me how much Goans
Christ the King Church. Later, on the way back to Entebbe mean to me. I had always taken them for granted as I had
from Kampala, hear that Flora and Ludger Gomes are getting various friends of all races, and had come to accept myself as an
married. Rush to Sacred Heart Church in Entebbe. Make it in African. I still have a lot of friends in the Institute, but all of a
time - and Flora asks me to be Ludger's Bestman. sudden the Goans are gone, and it feels like the death of a
And finally the November 5, 1972 deadline arrives. parent; the friends cannot fully compensate.
So many friends have left. I have already tearfully wished my In September 1973 I left Uganda, taking a two-years
mother goodbye - she left for Kuala Lumpur Malaysia (where of Leave of Absence to do postgraduate studies. I went through
she has many brothers and sisters) and my Aunt Lily, for Goa. Goa, getting married to Cynthia at St. Jerome’s Church in
We register at the Entebbe Club Cricket Pavilion, as all Mapusa. We then proceeded to the UK where I studied for a
“exempted” Asians have to. year at the London School of Economics and obtained a Post-
Past the Deadline, a strange calm has descended. graduate Diploma in Statistics. The situation in Uganda had
There are still around 5000 Asians left in Uganda who have now taught me to hedge. I was hoping that President Amin
been exempted. The Africans have a quiet admiration for those would be overthrown while I was studying. But just in case, I
who stay behind in spite of all the harassment. But now is when decided to apply for Canada from the UK as most of my family
the killing of Black Ugandans starts in earnest. One gets used and wife’s family had gravitated there. We were accepted. But I
to seeing bodies by the roadside every day. A friend, Godfrey had heard a lot of the need for "Canadian experience", so I
Kiggala is killed because President Amin likes his girlfriend. completed my Masters in Mathematical Statistics from the
University of Toronto instead of the LSE.
In May 1973 I travel to Goa for the first time. Cynthia
and I get civilly married in Goa where her parents are resident It is June 1975 and as my studies at the U of T are at
(having retired and left Uganda just 6 months before the an end I realize that President Amin is there to stay. With a
Expulsion). I hope to take her back to Uganda later to marry in heavy heart I finally send in my letter of resignation to the
Church. I return to Uganda to work out everything. Ministry of Finance, thanking them for giving me an
opportunity to serve my country. A tear rolled down my cheek.
As June 1973 rolls in, more Goans have left and soon
there are now just three Goans left in Entebbe: Arthur De John H. Nazareth
Mello, my brother-in-law Cyril Fernandes and I - and we were Toronto, 1994
all staying in the same house. My brother Peter left to take up a
Fellowship at Yale, brother David left to marry his girlfriend
THE GOAN LEGACY... LIVING ON IN UGANDA (Esther Namugoji, in New Vision)
They owned bakeries, bars and contributed significantly as the Entebbe Goan Institute. It served as a meeting place for
to Uganda's civil service, education and economy. When social and religious functions before former President Idi
President Idi Amin ordered Asians out of Uganda in 1972, Amin forced Asians out of Uganda in 1972. It had changed
many Goans were allowed to stay, but only a handful names in the late 1960s to the Entebbe Institute. Today, it is
remained. They left homes, properties and businesses behind. simply known as the Institute and it serves as a school
Even when offered a chance to return, they were not willing, building for Entebbe Central Academy. In those days, most
but their legacy lives on, Esther Namugoji writes. Ugandans could distinguish Abagowa from other Asians,
mainly because they attended mass in the Catholic churches
My heels make a resounding echo in the narrow hall as I like Bugonga Church in Entebbe and St. Fatima in Jinja.
cross the wood parquet floor. I have walked this hall before,
crossing quickly with literature books under my arm and the The Entry
next lesson in mind. This building houses a secondary school Not all Asians came to Uganda with the extension of the
on week days, and social events on weekend nights. Some East African Railway line into Uganda. The first Goans
years ago, I used to moonlight here two days a week as a arrived in the country by sea to Mombasa, used bullock-drawn
teacher, little knowing the rich history that these walls have carts or walked the 400 miles to Kisumu from where they
kept secret for more than a century. Standing here, I am canoed into Entebbe at Kigungu landing site. They were
transported more than 100 years back to when Indians of Goan cooks, butlers, tailors, carpenters and a few were educated and
origin owned and patronised this place. Wedding parties, ran businesses. This was in the mid-1880s. According to
children's Christmas plays, end of year dances and solemn Fernandes, the Portuguese occupation of Goa was oppressive
mass prayers were held within these walls for almost 70 years. and this drove the natives to flee their state. Many would leave
The grassy lot outside was used for games and sports like for other parts of India, Asia, Arabia and even Africa. Many
hockey, football and tennis. This building was first set up in Goans lived in Zanzibar, Mombasa, Tanzania, Mozambique,
1905 by Indians originally from the south eastern state of Goa Malawi and Zambia before 1900. Other accounts link the
Goan migration into East Africa to the relationship with the
British dating back to Lord Arthur Wellesley's army during the curries with rice and coconut still play a starring role in the
Napoleonic era which had two companies composed of Goans. food preparations. Pork dishes are well loved, as are a number
The Uganda Railway also brought in a fair number of of home made sweets in the old tradition. "Goans are talented
Goans. They easily worked as cooks because they were not musicians. Almost every other adult can play the violin which
vegetarians and could also cook European cuisine. Many were is the king of instruments. If you can play it, then the rest are
butlers, bakers, messengers and clerks. When the railway easy. A wedding does not end until there is a dance," says
started running, the catering on the coaches was almost Alex Ramos who came from India in 1995. His friend, Diago
exclusively done by Goans and they later flourished as D'Mello also came from India. He runs D'Mello's Indian
restaurateurs. Restaurant in Nakasero and a spare parts shop. D'Mello says
Goans are God-fearing, sincere and trustworthy and that is
A number of Goans from the Royal Navy after World why they made good civil servants. Goans are always on the
War I also moved to East Africa with their families in the move, and it appears that in the recent years some have been
1920s and 1930s. The earlier generation sent their children to leaving Uganda for other lands.
study in India. This second generation would return after
school and became the backbone of Uganda's first civil Even Joseph Almeida, the long serving headmaster of
service. They worked in the colonial government mostly as Buganda Road Primary School and recently Lohana
accountants, clerks and customs officers. Academy, decided to retire in India.
When Idi Amin ordered Asians out, he exempted those in
the public service, most of whom were Goans. However, Did you know?
between November 1972 and April 1973, most of the • Goans left a certain ethic in the civil service that has
remaining Goans left the country and only a handful stayed. In not been replicated by succeeding Ugandans.
the 1980s when Milton Obote was President the second time, Whereas Goans were known for their integrity, the
the Departed Asians' Property Act was enacted and some civil service, after their expulsion, almost collapsed.
Asians started to return around this time. Interestingly, not one But also persistent vices like ghost workers, bribery
Goan came back to live in Uganda. This should not be and late coming have plagued government offices up
surprising, considering that they were mostly in the civil to now.
service rather than in business. Hence, they only had a few
businesses or property to return to. Another factor was that • The popularity of sports like cricket and hockey
when they left Uganda for other countries, they were able to became widespread through the sportsmanship of
get good jobs since they had been working under the British Goans alongside other Indians. The first hockey club
government service and had somewhat universal skills. in Uganda back in the 1920s was formed by Goans
and the hockey team to the 1972 Olympics was
bolstered greatly by Goans.
New Generation
• Even today, the $200,000 worth cricket Astroturf at
The majority of Goans living in Uganda today are a new Lugogo owes its glory to the hard fundraising work
generation, coming straight from India. Most of them are in of Arthur D'Mello, one of the few who stayed in
business, unlike the colonial generation. They are still good in Entebbe through the Amin years.
the food business evidenced by restaurateurs like Jerry
Pacheco. He first travelled to Tanzania in 1997 to set up • He passed on last year, leaving the mantle to another
restaurants. He moved to Nairobi and then to Kampala in Goan, Basil Lobo, who recently handed over as
1999. He set up The Coconut Shack restaurant on treasurer of the Uganda Cricket Association.
DewintonRoad, and recently set up another Coconut Shack • Although rarely discussed, there are also descendants
serving Goan cuisine in Muyenga. born of Ugandan mothers dotted around the country,
According to Pacheco, as in those early days, Goans take marked by distinct light skin and/or unique surnames.
the time to socialise. They meet at church and at festivals and
family ceremonies. As in the past, music, dance and food play Extract of an article first published in New Vision on:
a central role in reliving the dreams of Goa. Fish and chicken Saturday, November 8, 2008. http://www.newvision.co.ug/
ODDS AND ENDS ON THE ASIAN EXPULSION OF 1972
How Hockey Determined the Number of Asian Refugees Accepted By Canada

According to Roger St. Vincent the team leader of the intended to take just 3000 people and how they ended up
Canadian Mission to Uganda, Canada issued visas for 6292 accepting 6000.
people (dependants included). The final number that came to At the 25th Anniversary of the Expulsion at a symposium
Canada was 6145. (“Seven Crested Cranes – Asian Exodus was organized at York University a senator spoke on the
From Uganda – Perspectives in Canadian Immigration subject. He explained that the Expulsion occurred at the same
Series”.) However, few people know that Canada initial time as Canada and Russia were playing their historic series of
[Ice] Hockey games. A dinner had been organized for the Aga The dinner and hockey game were both going well. At
Khan who played a significant role in pursuading Prime the appropriate point the Aga Khan asked the official how
Minister Trudeau to accept Ugandan refugees, and at this many refugees they had decided to take. Before the official
dinner Canada was to tell the Aga Khan the final number. could answer the waiter came in holding up three fingers on
The dinner occurred during one of the matches. each hand (score tied 3-3). The Aga Khan saw the waiter and
Everyone in Canada wanted to watch this game, so all the understood that Canada had decided to take 6000 refugees.
senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs pulled rank The Minister was now in a quandary. Should he explain
and forced the junior officers to attend instead. Among these the misunderstanding and thus tacitly admit that Canadians
junior officers was this future senator. Not wanting to miss were more interested in hockey than the plight of the refugees,
out on the game, the officers arranged with one of the waiters or should he let the number stand. He chose to take the 6000.
to come in and indicate the score every time one of the teams
scored – the Russia’s score by fingers raised on the left hand
and Canada’s by fingers raised on the right.
The Smell of The Expulsion

Here’s a little story of Mr Cota (name disguised) who was By chance I met the organizer of the Canadian Mission Roger
having his application to come to Canada processed while in St.Vincent 30 years later and related the story to him. He told
Kampala. At 2pm he got to the point where he had to go his me that that was only half the story. “We tried to persuade
medicals and had to, among other things, provide a stool Ottawa to waive the requirement for stool and urine samples
specimen. “What was I to do? I’m at 8:00am man; I could get as there was no way to examine them. But they would not
nothing at 2:00pm. Then I saw Larry (name disguised). He’s bend. Can you imagine, we had to store all these samples in a
always full of sh..t, so I took his sample.” tent in the hot tropical sun. Nobody wanted to enter that tent.”
Editor’s Note
It was a struggle and a delight to put together the stories of the Kampala Goan Institute in words and pictures. It brought to mind
especially the two years 1956/57 when my father, Mr. PCSC Nazareth was posted to Kampala and I lived as a young child going
to Norman Godinho School and having fun at the KGI.
Several people helped produce articles and provide pictures that went into the website and the Centenary Booklet. Not all the
articles could be included in the Booklet mainly because in certain categories we just did not have enough material to do justice
to the topic. We apologize to those who took the trouble to send us this information. But this Booklet is not the end of the story.
We intend to continue to collect these stories so that we can include them on our website, and/or find some way to publish the
material in the months to come. So please continue to send us articles, stories, notes, on people from the KGI (or their
descendants) who you think were/are special. Send them in even if you are not sure they are from the KGI – we are interested in
those stories anyway.
Send articles to me at jhr_nazareth@hotmail.com.
KGI Website: www.kampalagoaninstitute.com

LIST OF ATTENDEES
Almeida Baldwin (USA) De Souza Alu/Connie Fernandes Ronnie Noronha Dorothy
Almeida Delia (Uganda) De Souza Adrian/Rose Fernandes Rudy/Maureen Noronha John/Gladys
Almeida Elsa De Souza Bertila Filomena C. Fernandes Shirley/Edwin Paes Blasio/Patricia
Almeida Norma/Guy Lagace De Souza Bosco Fernandes Tony/Lira Paes John & Family
(PQ) De Souza Charles B./Alba Fernandes William /Carol (Montreal)
Almeida Rhea (USA) De Souza Charlie/ Melba Fernandez Cedric/Lydia Pereira Denis/Muriel
Almeida Sandra Sequeira Fernandez Dr. Alu/Melinda Pereira Poly/Ethel (B.C.)
Almeida Sonia/Ron Crane De Souza Claude/Claire Fernandez Lino/Thelma & Fly. Pereira Robert/Gwen
Almeida Tony/Zulema De Souza Colin/James Fernandez Vilavia (Maria)( B.C) Pereira Tony/Flavia
Antao Dr. Viola/Jon Serio De Souza Donat/Lucy Flores Elsa Pereira Trevor/Freida
Antao-Vaithilingam Virginia De Souza Eric/Edith & Fly. Flores Loretta & Family Pinto Allan/Imelda
Barretto Andrew V./Annie De Souza Errol/ Yvonne Francis Errol/Delphine Pinto Antonetta
Borges Edwin J./Norma De Souza Hubert/Greeba Francis Maggie Pinto David/Judy
Braganza Anthony/Anne De Souza Hugh Francis Terry/Merle Pinto Denis/Sylvia
Braganza Dolly De Souza Jackson (Montreal) Francis Tom/Joan Pinto Maurice/Rachel
Braganza Jerry/Rita(NS) De Souza Karena/Bernard/Fly Furtado Joe/Alvita Pires Alan/Lavita
Carneiro John/Angela (UK) De Souza Lino & Fly. Furtado Oscar/Dawn Baforo Pires Christopher/Lovella
Carvalho Christine/Joan De Souza Margaret Furtado Seira Pires John/Clara/Sandra
DeSouza De Souza Maria G. George Essie Pires Jose/Angela
Clutton Rowena/Carl De Souza Maureen/Anthony Gomes Ella Rebello Rui/Annie
Coelho Ignatius/Roma Mohan Gomes John & Roger Remedios Osbert/Ruth
Collaco Roland /Eurema & Fly. De Souza Normon Lobo Al/Nita Remedios Trevor/Fermina
Correa Evarist/Sandra De Souza Peter J/Debra Lobo Chappie(Australia) Rodrigues Albert/Rosemarie &
Correa De Souza Victor/Daisy(USA) Lobo Felix/Lorna fly
Robert/Joyce/Cheryl(Quebec) Dias Matti/Barry Young Lobo James/Fiona Rodrigues Connell
Correa Sheena/Cheryl Dias Celly/Edith Lobo Jerry/Celine Rodrigues Connell(Marlene De
Correia Melba (Mombasa) Dias Clarence/Ursula Lobo Joe/Fina Souza)
Da Costa Bernard/Jacinthe Dias Edgar/Irene & Family Lobo John/Elsa & Fly. Rodrigues Edmund/Phina
(Ottawa) Dias Ella Lobo Johnny /Maura & Family Rodrigues Joe/Candida (U.K)
Da Costa Doyle/ Dias Plasido/Mrs. Judith Dias Lobo Michael/Rose Rodrigues Joseph Anthony
Angela/Kevin(Ottawa) Dias Reggie/Sylvia Lobo Vita/Clary Rodrigues Ken/Audrey
Da Costa Elma & Family Dias Reginald/Rina Lobo William/Merle (BC) Rodrigues Milton (UK)
Da Costa Pamela Dias Rony/Jan (USA) Machado Helena/Vincent Rodrigues Neru/
Da Costa Ruth (Australia) Dias Vivian/Greta & Fly Machado Sydney/Fabiola Philomen(Quebec)
Da Costa Valerie D'Mello Felix/Harriet Maciel Frederick/Elizabeth Rodrigues Rennie/Rose
Da Cunha Dr. Raquel D'Mello Vince/Pamela Martins Jane/Martin (B.C.)
Da Cunha Vasco D'Sa Felix/Luiza (Quebec) Martyres Joe /Zemira (B.C.) Rodrigues Rose & Fly.
Da Silva Dr. Terence/Wanda D'Sa John/Julie Mascarenhas Antonio/Ruby & Rodrigues Tony/Bassie
Da Silva Joe D'Sa Joseph Paul/Rose/Steven Fly. Rodrigues Yvonne
D'Costa Mario/Evelyn& Fly. D'Souza Angelo/Stephanie Mascarenhas Bruce/Brenda Rohoman Jennifer/Imran
D'Costa Rose Marie (Mrs) D'Souza Anne Mascarenhas Leena & Family Ruparelia Dr.Sudhir (Uganda
D'Cruz Beads/Simon D'Souza Caji (UK ) Mascarenhas,Maria- Guest)
D'Cunha Almir/Maureen D'Souza Doris Renata/Roberto Saldanha Dr. Kevin./Lisette
D'Cunha Mervyn/Elizabeth & D'Souza Lucy & Family Mathias Al/Edna Santiago Olympio/Socorina
Fly. D'Souza Marian/Shaun Mathias Canute/Rosaura (UK) Sequeira Marcellino
De Lima Reis/Daisy D'Souza Myra Mathias Carlton/Sao Jan Serrao Vera & Fly. (USA)
De Mello Jean Marie (Uganda) Fernandez Albert/Nina & Fly. Miranda Carmela/Blaine Sheppard Coral/Robert
De Mello Mario/ Jude (N.S.) Fernandes Armando/Gracy & Miranda Caroline/Willburn (London,Ont.)
De Mello Nicky/Crescentia Fly. Monid Rekha/Matthew Tailor Rajni/Mrs. (Uganda
De Mello Nicky/Crescentia Fernandes Benny/Bella Moraes George/Carmen Guest)
De Quadros Novarro/Sybil Fernandes Bernadine/Peter Moraes Leo/Sheila Tavares Raymond/June
De Sa Benjamin/Hyacinth Fernandes Donald/Sybil Moraes Tim/Denise Vaz Dr.Horace/Margaret
De Sa Derek (Thunder Bay) Fernandes Feena Nazareth David/Lydia Vaz Larry/Clare
De Sa Elise (Thunder Bay) Fernandes Lucia Sandra (Mrs) Nazareth Edviges/Pamela Vaz Mark/Olga (B.C.)
De Sa Freida/Dr.Vincent (Th Fernandes Maurice (BC) Nazareth John/Cynthia Walsh Lorraine/Keith
Bay) Fernandes Mrs.Juliet Nichols Mike/Wendy (D'Souza) Yasi Joan/Nick
De Sauza Neves/Zulema Fernandes Peter/Ethel Noronha Lionel
De Sousa George/Bernie Fernandes Procopio/Gloria Noronha Dora/Netto

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KAMPALA (GOAN) INSTITUTE CENTENARY COMMITTEE

Kampala (Goan) Institute, Kampala

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

June 26th, 2010

A Hundred years ago, our pioneering founders could never have

Table of contents overleaf …….

1 Message from the Chairman of the Centenary Committee

ARCHDIOCESE OF ARCHBISHOP’S HOUSE,

Archbishop’s House, Panjim, Goa, February 20, 2010.

(+ Filipe Neri Ferrão)

June 26, 2010

On behalf of members of Council and the residents of the City of Mississauga, I

Established for expatriate Goans in Kampala, Uganda, the Kampala (Goan)

I am glad to know that the Centenary Celebrations of the founding of

SECRETARIAT, PORVORIM GOA INDIA – 403 521

From the Kampala Institute, 2010

It is a great honour and an immense privilege for me to have been invited to

I would firstly like to congratulate the Chairman and members of the

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia

June 26th, 2010

Dear friends of the Kampala Goan Institute,

I am very happy to add a few words of congratulations on the occasion of

In conclusion I wish you God's many and fondest blessings on the

I was privileged to be the 1971/1972 president of the Yours sincerely

Their spirit marches on …

History of the KGI – Founding to Today

Founding In 1915 a pavilion with railings was constructed at a cost

LOWIS CUP WINNERS 1925

General Amin started using different groups as Where Goans Went to

KGI BACHELORS 1927

LADIES’ DAY 1948

Executive Committees of the KGI

1966-1967 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

I.E.Lobo Treasurer Mark Vaz Vice-President Sports

KAMPALA (GOAN) INSTITUTE - CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

THURSDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2010

Toronto Harbour Cruise:

SATURDAY, JUNE 26TH, 2010

Black Tie Dinner-Dance at Pearson Convention Center- Halls A/B/C

M.C. Denis Pereira

SUNDAY, JUNE 27TH, 2010

Centenary Song: “KGI Forever"

Forever and ever, let’s never forget

Forever and ever, this week will remain

Speech by Mr. Y. K. LULE, Minister of Social

CHRISTMAS MASS AT THE KI 1968

CHRIST THE KING CHURCH

RI SPORTS VISIT 1959

WEST GERMAN NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM VISITS THE KI 1972

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS

Sports Achievements Among Our Descendants in Canada

Sports Review prepared by Al Mathias

WINNERS – GOLD CUP 1957

1968 GOLD CUP RUNNER-UP

1948 TRIANGULAR - TEXEIRA CAPTAINS GOAN IX VS EUROPEAN XI

OLYMPIANS 1972 – GEORGE MORAES, POLY

Leaders In Other Goan Organizations Post-1972

Among the organizations we have provided: