Sports philathropist Michael Ezra tops New Vision’s best and worst polls of 2006
In October that year, his generosity became headline news, cementing his reputation as a saviour of Ugandan sport.
Michael Ezra. File photo
By Vision Reporter
Journalists @New Vision
As 2006 drew to a close, The New Vision invited readers to cast their votes in the annual Best and Worst Polls.
Unlike earlier surveys that often reflected tradition, the 2006 edition produced a few surprises, none bigger than flamboyant sports philantropist Michael Ezra dethroning President Yoweri Museveni as Man of the Year.
Man of the Year
Despite lingering questions about bouncing cheques, Ezra outpolled Museveni, who had held the top spot for nine years. To many Ugandans, Ezra was the country’s richest man, a self-styled sports philanthropist who poured millions into athletics and bailed out a financially crippled Uganda Cranes ahead of their trip to Niger for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
In October that year, his generosity became headline news, cementing his reputation as a saviour of Ugandan sport. His flair for the extravagant also won him admiration: a bid to buy Leeds United and a $250,000 one-off watch in Dubai sealed his image as a man with “bottomless pockets.” Ezra polled 721 of the 1,356 votes cast.
President Museveni came second with 501 votes, praised for initiating peace talks with LRA leader Joseph Kony, promoting the Bonna Bagagawale scheme, and his promise of Universal Secondary Education.
Dr. Kizza Besigye claimed third, hailed for his courage and patriotism despite political battles, while academic Augustus Nuwagaba and Kabaka Ronald Mutebi completed the top five.
Woman of the Year
First Lady and Ruhama MP Janet Museveni was once again voted Woman of the Year, her third straight win. With 376 of 1,114 votes, she was praised for her prayerful character, support for widows and orphans, HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, and her bold step into elective politics.
Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda rose to second place with 367 votes, celebrated for her charity work, advocacy for girls’ education, and dignity as a cultural role model. Peace crusader Betty Bigombe (3rd), Winnie Byanyima (4th), and Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga (5th) rounded out the list.
Worst Woman of the Year
Readers handed the year’s harshest judgment to Environment state minister Jessica Eriyo, with 252 of 661 votes, citing her controversial marriage. Winnie Byanyima followed in second place, while Cecilia Ogwal, Bakoko Bakoru, Miria Obote, and even Janet Museveni (appearing on both lists) also featured.
Worst Man of the Year
For the fourth straight year, Joseph Kony topped the infamous list with 415 of 950 votes, condemned for atrocities in northern Uganda and delaying peace. Former Health Minister Jim Muhwezi followed, blamed for the Global Fund scandal, while Kampala councillor Godfrey Nyakana, Sheikh Mubajje (over the sale of Muslim land), and even Museveni—criticized for pursuing a third term and failing to curb corruption—completed the year’s Worst Men.