Amidst the ongoing jubilation over Joshua Cheptegei’s remarkable victory in the 10,000 metres race at the World Athletics Championships held in Hungary on Sunday, Ugandans are expressing a collective sentiment that the accomplished long-distance runner should be recognized and rewarded in ways that surpass the Shs265 million prize money awarded by the World Athletics Federation.
In a historic achievement, Cheptegei’s Sunday triumph propelled him into the ranks of legends, placing him as the fourth man ever to secure three world titles in the 10,000m, following the footsteps of Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele, and Mo Farah.
At just 26 years old, Cheptegei has etched his name in Uganda’s athletic history, earning himself a place among the world’s most exceptional runners to have graced the track.
With his consistent displays of heroism, many contend that he deserves not just recognition but extraordinary rewards.
Journalist Raymond Mujuni proposed, “In the absence of a designated name, could we name the Entebbe Expressway the Cheptegei Expressway, General Katumba Wamala (Minister for Works and Transport)? It symbolizes speed, triumph, resilience, and victory. What steps should we take to make this a reality?”
Crushy Hassan suggested, “His image should grace the exterior of all Uganda Airlines planes, while Entebbe Airport could be renamed in honour of his accomplishments.”
ZK Meddie voiced an innovative idea, asserting, “Why not rename Namboole Stadium to Joshua Cheptegei National Stadium?”
During a recent parliamentary session on Tuesday, Opposition Chief Whip John Baptist Nambeshe asserted that the most fitting tribute to Cheptegei would involve the completion of the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre.
“The project’s inception dates back to 2012, with a handover anticipated in 2020; yet, progress remains sluggish,” Nambeshe remarked. He pointed out that a substantial sum of Shs26 billion has been allocated to the project, yielding little tangible progress.
State Minister for Education and Sports (Higher Education), Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo, countered Nambeshe’s claims by stating that the center’s development is nearly 98% complete.
“I can confidently affirm that this high altitude training centre is on the brink of completion. We look forward to inviting you to witness the remarkable strides being made at the facility,” Muyingo affirmed.