Cheptegei renews calls for unfulfilled pledges as Museveni promises sh350m

Uganda’s Olympic gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei renewed calls for unfulfilled pledges as President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the Teryet High Altitude Training Center on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes and the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), Cheptegei reminded the president of his promise to build houses for the parents of the gold medalists from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Cheptegei won a 5,000m gold medal and a 10,000m silver medal, Peruth Chemutai secured a 3,000m steeplechase gold medal, and Jacob Kiplimo earned a bronze in the 10,000m final.

He noted that the parents of himself, Kiplimo, and Stella Chesang had been promised houses, but nothing had materialized to date.

“Some of our colleagues have lost their parents, and now I don’t know who will stay in the houses when they are finally built. Mzee and Maama, consider us while we are still strong, so our parents can enjoy the fruits of their labor,” Cheptegei said.

Cheptegei also mentioned that he had not yet received his payment for his earlier achievements before 2021, when the president gave them cars and cash. President Museveni had ordered that athletes who won medals before also be paid stipends: sh5m for gold, sh3m for silver, and sh1m for bronze from the Olympics, All-Africa Games, and the World Championships.

However, State Sports Minister Peter Ogwang informed the president that the current State House Comptroller had paid out all outstanding pledges she found pending, except those before her tenure.

“I thank you and look forward to your support. In the next election, I will be your chief mobilizer wherever you’ll be,” Cheptegei stated before asking the president to offer scholarships and placements for the people of the Sebei region. He also requested help in fixing community roads that athletes use for training.

On behalf of the UAF, Cheptegei asked the president to consider increasing the annual funding to the UAF from sh3b to sh10b annually and to empower coaches under the UAF. He reminded the president of his promises for a big bus, a double cabin, and support for the UAF to build their own home, all of which are yet to be fulfilled.

“This center is not only for sports excellence but has also attracted tourists from around the world. There are a number of international athletes who want to come and train here, and through that, we are going to have an exchange program,” Cheptegei added.

“We recognize you as the father of sports in the country, which did not have many sports heroes before your reign. From 1962 to 1972, we only had the legendary John Akii Bua as the only Olympic gold medalist, but during your reign, you have been a source of blessing.”

“The four Olympic gold medals have come from you, and you’re my all-time greatest coach. In 2014, when you received me in Nakasero, you advised me to stop school and pursue athletics, which I did. Between then and now, I have won close to ten global titles, and it has been because of you and Maama,” Cheptegei stated.

Cheptegei also asked the president for support towards this year’s Cheptegei Christmas Run, which will be graced by Kenyan legendary athletes Faith Kipyegon and Eliud Kipchoge.

“Currently, we are on a mission of talent identification. I have retired from the track after giving all that I had and am now embarking on the marathon challenge. The talent identification we started five years ago has already produced champions from different junior competitions.”

After pleading for support towards the Christmas Run, Museveni promised to give him sh350m to meet the event's budget, which is expected to attract about 20,000 people.