Iconic and three-time Commonwealth Gold medalist Moses Kipsiro has reminded President Museveni of his earlier promises that include a running track in Bukwo.
Kipsiro, after winning two gold medals (5000m and 10000m) at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, was hosted to Dinner at State House in Entebbe.
There, the President pledged to construct a running track and camp in Bukwo, home district for Kipsiro.
Since then, Kipsiro, who is slowly transitioning into a Coach, says that nothing has been done.
“He (President Museveni) promised to create for us a Marram Track in Bukwo but up to today, it has not been built.”
In 2014, Kipsiro won gold again in the 10,000m when clocked 27:56.11 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Then, Kipsiro was promised a car by President Museveni.
But when the Mitsubishi Pajero Car was released, Kipsiro did not receive it in dramatic turn of events.
It is said that the car was picked by Government officials from Victoria Motors and Kipsiro failed to trace it since.
“After that Glasgow event, I went to Ireland for treatment because I had picked an injury,” Kipsiro told The-SportsNation.
“While I was still there, I was called and informed that my Car had been released. But when I came back, I failed to get it.”
Kipsiro has since formed foundation – Moses Kipsiro Foundation – that is home for over 20 budding athletes, a couple of which have been competing at regional events including the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon last month in Kasese.
In Kasese, Chemos Viola who won the Women’s 42km, is from Kipsiro’s camp.
While the Men’s 42km first and second runners up Bernard Cheptoch and Shetrack Kimaiyo are also his students.
“I am still not so fully into Coaching, but a little bit here and there. I just give them some of my experience but I am not yet a full coach.
“To me my target is I want to produce the best athletes, I want to change the face of athletics in Uganda, and take it to another level.”
Kipsiro said that its high time National Council of Sports (NCS) start embracing events like Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon because they motivate athletes.
“This Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is a good boost for Athletes. Such little things like prize monies can push morale. And it also help in keeping athletes fit as they prepare for bigger events.”
He also called upon NCS and Government at large not to only focus on one region – Kapchorwa – but even in Kabale, Kasese and Arua etc because they can as well produce good runners.
“NCS and the Concerned should work hand in hand with Uganda Athletics Federation to go in as many areas and encourage the community to see how they can develop the talent.
“It’s not about sitting in the office, but go down to the grassroots and groom them, and by doing so, Uganda will rise and win more medals.”
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