Ogwang Challenges Kasese Locals After Rwenzori Marathon
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.”
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum