State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has urged the residents of Kasese to capitalize on their hilly terrain to develop and excel in long-distance running.
Speaking after the conclusion of the third edition of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, Ogwang expressed disappointment that despite the region’s elevation of around 1,000 meters above sea level, it has yet to produce an elite long-distance runner.
Uganda, renowned as a global athletics powerhouse, boasts top athletes primarily from the Kapchorwa region, located on the flanks of Mount Elgon.
Research found out that growing up and training in high-altitude regions can significantly boost aerobic capacity and endurance.
This advantage, Ogwang noted, has been a key factor in the success of Ugandan athletes, particularly those from the Sabiny community in the Sebei region.
“From the results of this Rwenzori Marathon, my people from Kasese performed below average,” Minister Ogwang stated. “The Sabiny have taken all the medals. Why don’t the people of Rwenzori take advantage of their hilly region and also begin representing Uganda?”
The minister emphasized the untapped potential in Kasese, urging locals to practice and harness the benefits of high-altitude training.
Despite the influx of tourists and the financial benefits they bring during the marathon, the minister lamented that the local athletes have yet to claim the lucrative prize money awarded to race winners.
Minister Ogwang, who participated in the 10km race and completed it admirably, underscored the broader health benefits of running, particularly in combating non-communicable diseases. “Running helps in ending non-communicable diseases; this also helps me prepare mentally,” he said.
He also highlighted the economic opportunities sports present, noting, “Sport is a source of employment; it’s a big industry. Athletes go for international competitions; they are not running for fun. That’s why you saw that as a Government we put up prize money for the medal winners at the concluded Olympics. And I want to confirm that Joshua Cheptegei got his Sh100m for winning gold, while Peruth Chemutai was awarded Sh50m for her silver in Paris.”
Ogwang praised the marathon organizers, led by Amos Wekesa, and the event’s sponsors, particularly the title sponsor, Tusker Lite, for their role in promoting sports and tourism in the region.
He also announced plans to return to Kasese to engage with local leaders and strategize on how to develop the region’s potential in long-distance running.
“The importance of sports cannot be overstated,” Ogwang said. “At this level, it is one of the highest-paying jobs worldwide, and it is time the people of Kasese seized this opportunity.”
