LAUSANNE, Switz., Dec. 14, 2020—The FIE is saddened to be informed of the passing of Gabriel W. J. Oloka (UGA), who most recently served as the president of the Uganda Fencing Federation until Nov. 22, 2020. Mr. Oloka, who founded the Federation, in 2013 was awarded the International Olympic Committee’s “150 Years, Pierre de Coubertin, Sport as a School of Life” Trophy. He served as the Secretary-General of the Uganda Olympic Committee for many years.
Born on Nov. 11, 1938, Mr. Oloka pursued many professional and personal interests in his life, including working with the Uganda Police and ultimately retiring from active service with the Uganda Posts & Telecommunication Corp. He played football for the Police Football Club and was also a national referee for the Federation of Uganda Football Associations. Throughout his life, he was instrumental in forming and supporting numerous Uganda sports organizations.
On behalf of our world fencing family, the FIE extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Oloka’s family and friends, as well as the Uganda Fencing Federation and African Fencing Confederation during this challenging period.