Speaker Among, Kin Kariisa Mourn Jota

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and Next Media Group chief executive Kin Kariisa have led heartfelt tributes to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died alongside his younger brother André Silva in a horrific car crash in Spain today July 3.

The news has left football fans and families worldwide in mourning—and in Uganda, it has stirred emotions that go well beyond the pitch.

Kariisa, an avid Kop, said it was "devastating.”

“As a Liverpool fan, this hurts," he said. "But beyond football, imagine Rute—now a widow and single mother overnight. Imagine Jota’s parents—burying two sons. Life is fragile. Hold your people closer.”

Speaker Among, a well-known Liverpool supporter herself, echoed the grief in her message of condolence: “My sincere condolences to the @LFC family on the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. May the Lord grant their family the strength to endure this difficult time and may their souls rest in eternal peace. You will never walk alone.”

Jota, 28, and André, 26, were killed instantly when their Lamborghini veered off the A-52 highway near Zamora and caught fire, reportedly after a suspected tyre blowout.

The fatal crash occurred barely two weeks after Jota’s June 22 wedding to his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, a joyous occasion celebrated by fans and teammates alike.

The couple had three young children.

Among’s tribute quickly resonated with Ugandan fans, many of whom share her passion for Liverpool and had grown to admire Jota for his skill, humility, and work ethic.

His death, along with his brother’s, has cast a shadow over football communities from Kampala to Fort Portal, with many describing the loss as "personal."

Jota had become a beloved figure at Anfield since joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020.

He made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals for the club, playing a crucial role in their recent Premier League title run.

Internationally, he earned 49 caps for Portugal. His brother André was also building a promising career, playing for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.

The tragedy struck as Jota was preparing to return to Liverpool for pre-season training.

According to BBC Sport, he had recently undergone minor surgery and was advised not to fly, prompting plans to travel overland from Porto to Santander to catch a ferry to England.

Zamora, the crash site, lies roughly midway between Porto and the port city, and he had reportedly made the reverse journey weeks earlier for his wedding.

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota in 2020, also offered an emotional tribute on Instagram.

“There must be a bigger purpose, but I can’t see it,” Klopp wrote.

“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much. All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them. Rest in peace – Love, J.”

Across Uganda, where English football commands deep loyalty, the news has been met with candlelight vigils, emotional social media tributes, and impromptu moments of silence in football grounds and pubs.

Fans say Jota’s impact transcended the game, touching lives far beyond Merseyside.

“Jota wasn’t just a player. He was one of us. He celebrated like us, worked hard like us, and never gave up,” said Denis Okello, a Liverpool fan in Gulu. “It feels like we’ve lost a brother.”

As Liverpool prepares to honour one of their own, Ugandan fans, led by Speaker Among and others, continue to mourn a footballer whose light, they say, went out far too soon.