The Uganda Track and Field Championship concluded today at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, attracting over 400 male and female participants.
The event featured a range of competitions, including Discus, Javelin, Long Jump, Shot Put, and Triple Jump.
Athletes began arriving at the venue as early as 6:00 AM, immersing themselves in warm-ups amidst a joyful and welcoming atmosphere.
The event’s lively spirit was further amplified by a DJ who played music from different tribes, particularly those from northern Uganda and the Sabinyi, known for their athletic prowess.
The championship kicked off with qualifying heats, leading to finals that saw Uganda Prisons athletes dominating nearly all sports.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Special Presidential Advisor on Sports and the Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Professor Aaron Mushengyezi.
Joyce Ajoko, the Prisons coach and assistant manager of the Uganda Prisons Athletics Club, expressed her delight at her team’s performance.
“From day one, the Prisons service was leading. Today, we started well by scoring points in the morning events like the women’s triple jump. Our boys and girls performed exceptionally in the finals, and we are confident of taking all three trophies for ladies, males, and overall. As defending champions, we are here to defend our title,” she said.
Koli Evaline Ocean, who competed in the 200m and 4×100m relays, described the championship as a wonderful experience and proudly declared Prisons as the winners.
Haron Adoli, a 400m runner who recently returned from a successful competition in Cameroon, also shared his thoughts, saying, “Cameroon was very interesting, despite some challenges with the weather. The competition was intense, but Uganda performed exceptionally well, winning many medals, including Gold and Silver.”
Among the notable winners were Akena Moses from Gulu, who triumphed in the Discus event, Erimu Kokas from Uganda Prisons, who secured the 800m men’s final, and Rebecca Chelangat, also from Uganda Prisons, who won the 5000m women’s race, leaving a significant gap between her and the other athletes.
