Teryet training centre sees surge in athlete numbers

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Uganda’s sports sector has taken a major leap forward with the establishment of the Teryet National Training Centre, a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance athlete performance and development.

Officially inaugurated in December last year by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, the centre is already reshaping the country’s athletics landscape.

Nestled in the high-altitude region of Kapchorwa, the facility has become a top-tier training destination for both elite and up-and-coming athletes, offering the perfect conditions needed to compete at national and international levels.

Athletes from Kapchorwa and neighbouring districts have embraced the centre, taking advantage of its high-altitude benefits and easy accessibility to enhance their training and development.

Athletics coach, Benjamin Njia, underscored the significance of the facility in offering athletes unrestricted access, significantly easing their training routines.

"As we prepare for the National Cross Country Championships, athletes are currently training on grass. After the cross country event, they will transition to track training in preparation for the national trials and the World Athletics Championships," explained Njia.

He added that as more athletes work towards qualification for the World Athletics Championships in September in Tokyo, Japan, the facility will likely see increased usage.

The track and field facility at Taryet, Kapchorwa. (Credit: Olivia Nakate)

Although the centre is already in use, it is still awaiting an official handover to the National Council of Sports (NCS). Once under NCS management, further adjustments may be made to enhance its operation and maintenance.

Under the new Sports Act, the National Council of Sports is mandated to oversee all public sports facilities in Uganda. The council is responsible for managing, maintaining, and safeguarding these properties, with regulations in place to prevent unauthorised sales or leases.

The Teryet High Altitude Training Centre marks a new era for Ugandan athletics, providing athletes with world-class training opportunities while reinforcing the country’s dedication to sports development.

With top-tier infrastructure and structured management, the facility is poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of champions at both national and international levels.