Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otucet used the National Cross Country Championships in Mbale to urge communities in Bugisu to take athletics more seriously, saying the region has the potential to match the success seen in Sebei.
The event, held for the first time at Mbale Golf Course, drew athletes and local leaders from across eastern Uganda.
Otucet, who has family ties in Bugisu, challenged residents in Mbale, Bududa, Manafwa, Sironko and Bulambuli to make better use of the slopes of Mt. Elgon. He noted that the terrain has helped Sebei produce global stars and believes Bugisu can follow the same path if attitudes change.
He said the area once produced strong distance runners like Catherine Webombesa and Paul Wokau, and called on the community to revive that legacy by treating athletics as a serious and rewarding profession.
His remarks were received with enthusiasm, with leaders promising to support development programs and create more opportunities for young athletes.
Coaches in the region also weighed in. Hanyiga Isaac, who leads the U20 athletes in Mbale, agreed that the mindset needs to improve but added that Bugisu faces deeper structural issues. He pointed out that the region lacks experienced coaches who can guide upcoming runners and sustain long term athlete development.
The discussion around Bugisu’s potential comes at a time when the National Cross Country Championships continue to rotate across the country, with Mbale’s first hosting seen as a chance to reignite interest in distance running among local communities.
