Milton Chebet urges Uganda Athletics to strengthen athlete support systems

The Assistant Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS), Milton Chebet, has called on Uganda Athletics (UA) to establish a comprehensive program that guides and supports athletes beyond competition.

Speaking on Wednesday at Lugogo during a ceremony honoring the national team that returned from Spain with nine medals at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, Chebet emphasized the importance of structured mentorship and lifestyle guidance for athletes.

“The future of these athletes is very bright,” Chebet said. “But success is not automatic—it depends on the people they interact with after winning these medals.”

While commending UA for its existing athlete monitoring systems, Chebet stressed the need for deeper engagement. “I’m impressed that you have a system in place, but guiding them to manage their lifestyle, associate with the right people, and maintain healthy living is even more important,” he added.

Chebet also urged Uganda Athletics to prioritise the development of a dedicated athletics facility in Kapchorwa, a region known for producing elite runners. He believes such infrastructure would provide more athletes with the opportunity to qualify for international championships.

Athletes from the World Mountain Running Championship in Spain show off their medals as Uganda Athletics president Dominic Otucet and NCS assistant secretary Milton Chebet (3rd left ) look on at lugogo. PHOTOS: Johnson Were

Uganda’s team delivered a stellar performance in Spain, securing four gold, four silver, and two bronze medals. In the junior men’s category, Titus Masai clinched gold, Enos Chebet took silver, and Abraham Cherotic earned bronze. In the senior men’s division, Martin Magengo won individual silver and contributed to a team silver. The junior women’s team claimed gold, led by captain Nancy Chepkwemoi, while Felister Chepkwemoi added a bronze to the tally.

Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otucet expressed pride in the team’s achievements and pledged continued support for the athletes. “We thank the Government for its support, but what matters most now is going back to the drawing board with our coaches to explore ways to improve performance,” Otucet said.

He added that the technical team will reassess its preparation strategies to ensure Uganda makes a strong comeback at upcoming global events, including the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, in January 2026, and the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow.

With renewed focus and strategic planning, Uganda Athletics aims to build on its recent success and elevate the country’s presence on the international stage.