Joshua Cheptegei, widely regarded as Uganda’s greatest athlete, expressed frustration over the government’s delayed fulfillment of its promises to athletes.
Speaking at the commissioning of the High Altitude Training Centre in Teryet on Wednesday, December 11, Cheptegei made an emotional speech as he represented his fellow athletes.
The event, officiated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was also meant to recognise athletes from the Sebei region regarded as the home of golden talents.
“Mzee (Museveni), I want to let you know that the directive you issued in 2018 has not been honoured,” Cheptegei stated.
“You said all athletes should be paid their arrears, but this has not happened. I know some people have been telling Mama (Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports) that we received the money, but it’s a lie.”
He further challenged those making false claims: “I want those who say I received the money to come and say it here. These people are failing you, Mzee, because they continue to go against your word.”
Cheptegei’s comments highlight a series of unfulfilled promises to Ugandan athletes.
The High Altitude Training Centre, first promised in 2010 after Moses Kipsiro’s double gold at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, has only been completed at the end of 2024.
Another promise was made in 2012 after Stephen Kiprotich’s historic Olympic gold medal—the first in 40 years. President Museveni pledged monthly stipends for excelling athletes in major tournaments, UGX 5 million for gold, UGX 3 million for silver, and UGX 1 million for bronze.
According to Cheptegei, he is owed over UGX 400 million in unpaid arrears and is ready to provide bank statements to substantiate his claim.
Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Sports acknowledged that some arrears remain unpaid but argued that these only date back to before Janet Museveni assumed office. This statement caused discomfort and murmurs among the athletes present.
Cheptegei’s frank remarks underscore the growing frustration among Ugandan athletes who feel their contributions to the nation are not being adequately recognized or rewarded.
The post Cheptegei pins government over delayed promises appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
