Olympic champions Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo will officially flag off the 10km road race this Saturday, June 7, at the Akii-Bua Memorial Celebration, as Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) commemorates 100 years of the sport at Namboole Stadium.
The announcement was made by UAF President Dominic Otuchet during a press conference held at the federation’s headquarters in Kampala.
The event, which celebrates a century of athletics in Uganda, will feature a lineup of elite local and international athletes, government officials, and dignitaries.
Hon. Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Education and Sports, will grace the occasion as the chief guest. He will be joined by several Members of Parliament in a series of friendly 100m relay races for both men and women, intended to add a lighthearted and festive tone to the celebrations.
“This will be a historic moment for Uganda’s athletics,” said Otuchet. “We are not only marking 100 years of the sport, but also highlighting the incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming the nation’s leading Olympic medal contributor.”
Uganda is the only sport in the country to have produced five Olympic gold medals, with the most recent achievements coming from long-distance stars Cheptegei and Kiplimo.
The celebration will also feature competitive races with Uganda’s top athletes, including Halima Nakaayi, Shida Leni, and Sarah Chelangat, facing off against elite runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. Organizers say the level of competition will match international standards, making it one of the most significant athletics events ever hosted in Uganda.
International athletes are expected to arrive on Thursday ahead of the weekend event, which is projected to draw large crowds and media attention.
