Reagan Mukwaya: The young, retired footballer-turned Bartender at the World class Ritz Carlton Hotel in Doha

The bitter decision to prematurely retire from a cherished sport has been never an easy one to execute.

To many, sport is more than recreation, but rather, a life to live.

A life to celebrate, network, make merry, refresh the mind, body and soul.

For Reagan “Sadat” Mukwaya, a former football player who had perfected the mid-field strings, he found himself in a fixed corner of early retirement to take on another passion of life.

Still 27, Mukwaya prematurely retired from the beautiful game to concentrate on his second passion; Bar tendering.

He now works at the lavish 5-star world class Ritz Carlton in Doha.

“I loved football more than anything else and sadly retired early. Perhaps, there are no regrets whatsoever, I found solace in Bartendering” Mukwaya opens up in an exclusive interview.

“Working at one of the world’s best hotels is a dream come true. I have mingled and served the elite persons, most powerful personalities in the world” he adds.

Mukwaya kick-started his football journey at 9 years of age with Makindye Cubs Academy with coach Sserumaga and later Express Young (under coach Dunga).

He later graduated to Bright Stars U-17 team in 2015 before he joined Mbarara City Footbal Club, then playing in the FUFA Big League..

Mukwaya returned to the parent Makindye Cubs before featuring for Katwe United Football Club which he guided from the third division to the second tier (FUFA Big League).

At The Ritz Carlton Hotel I Doha, Mukwaya has been offering his diligent professional services since January 2025.

“I am excited to work at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Doha, the best in the Middle East and third in the world. I am extremely happy to be the only Ugandan in my department of food and beverages.” He boldly speaks.

After part-timing in the same role in one of the Kampala Hotels, Mukwaya sought for the much desired greener pastures.

He applied for the job online; via linkdlin. He then conducted an online interview with Stefan Cirkovic, the manager of Food and Beverages where he largely impressed.

Under a week, he executed a second interview with Ms Kim Koni, the director of Food and Beverages at the home and his place was stamped before travel.

Mukwaya sings special praise of Cirkovic and Koni who have virtually precipitated his life at the Hotel.

“I owe my steady gradual progress to Ms Kim Koni and Mr Stefan Cirkovic. They have motivated me to work harder with good encouragement” he applauds.

Like during his playing days where he was a leader on and off the field of play, Mukwaya is a typical diligent leader who respects deadlines to the dot with efficient and effective service.

Typical of his totem; Buffaloe (Mbogo), Mukwaya who at some stage in life wore dreadlocked hair and loves body tattoos to the brim remains as hard working as the giant mammal.

At The Ritz Carlton Hotel, he works in the day shift for eight hours, one hour break for refreshing and mealtime as well as day off.

The hotel has 8 outlets; IRD (Dining), Lobby Lounge, Flamingos pool and beach (where Mukwaya works), STK the steak house, Lagoon, Habanos, Sel &Miel as well as the B-Lounge By Buddha Bar.

The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Doha also has unique sports amenities as a fitness center, spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, squash courts, tennis courts and others.

Ranked as the best hotel in Doha last year, The Ritz Carlton Hotel offers spacious rooms, signature suites with stunning sea views and a high rise club lounge with exclusive privileges.

Mukwaya’s story is captivating, one of inspiration and boldness to make meaningful life decisions in all situations at hand.

Profile:

• Full Names: Reagan Mukwaya
• Nick-name: Sadat
• Place of Birth: Nsambya Hospital
• Date of Birth: 16^th April 1997
• Education: Kitebi Primary School (P1-P4), Citizens Parents Primary (P5-P7), Dynamic Secondary School (S1-S2), St Mary’s Kitende (S3), Royal Giant High School (S4, S5, S6)
• Current job: Bar tendering at state-of-the-art The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Doha
• Football Career: Makindye Cubs, Bright Stars U-17, Mbarara City (FUFA Big League), Katwe United (FUFA Big League), Now Retired
• Strong Foot: Right
• Shirt Number: 8
• Role Models: Sadat Ssekagya, Edgar Watson, Bastian Schweinsteiger
• Best Food: Rice, Posho and Beans
• Best Match:  City Tyres Primary Schools final (2010)
• Worst Match: Coca Cola Primary Schools (Citizens Primary 0-2 Arua Public School – 2009)
• Toughest Opponent: Bronson Nsubuga
• Personal ambition: To construct schools for the needy children
• Achievements: Kabaka Cup Winner with Citizens Primary School – 2007, 2008; Coca Cola Primary Cup Champion with Citizens Primary School (2008), S1 & S2 Competitions Champion (Dynamic SS), Runners Up Buganda Cup (Royal Giants High School)

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