Down Memory Lane: When Davis Kamoga and Michael Ezra came out of retirement

It was on July 31, 2003, when Ugandan athletics fans were treated to a rare spectacle at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Business mogul Michael Ezra, never shy of making bold statements, decided to lace up his spikes and come out of retirement to compete in an event organised by his own club – the Ezra Track Team Board.

Ezra’s decision wasn’t just about personal glory. “It is one of the ways of boosting the youngsters,” he explained, insisting that leading by example was his style. At 6ft-2in and 110 kilograms, the flamboyant tycoon also brushed aside doubts about his fitness: “I am in very good shape. Remember I am one of Uganda’s best martial artists,” said Ezra, who was also a skilled kickboxer.

But Ezra wasn’t the only headline act. Uganda’s Atlanta 1996 Olympic bronze medallist Davis Kamoga also announced his long-awaited comeback at the same meet. “I want to taste my own music,” the 30-year-old declared as he prepared to test himself against the new generation in the 200m, while also confirming he would run the 100m.

The programme kicked off with a procession from the city, followed by a parade of teams around the stadium. Action began at 9:30 am with the women’s 5000m, setting the stage for a day packed with excitement.

The competition also attracted international participation, with five Kenyans jetting in to add spice to the event. Among them were John Ngure (100–200m), Harrison Makau (1500m), Wesley Kimutai (5000m), Elijah Kibwalei, and Peter Ndegwa (10,000m).

That weekend at Namboole remains a colourful chapter in Uganda’s athletics history—when a tycoon and an Olympic medallist briefly stepped out of retirement to inspire, entertain, and remind fans of their star power.