By Sharon Tibenda

20^th Aug 2012:

“…I need to salute Kiprotich and those people who helped him to train. He is a real member of the NRM. When there was confusion in Uganda he went to the bush in Kenya. This gives us morale boost to organize ourselves better,” President Museveni said.

The president made the remarks on the morning of Wednesday, 15 as he hosted Team Uganda to a State Breakfast at State House in Entebbe.  He commended Kiprotich for winning the 42km marathon run to bring home gold during the just been concluded Olympic games in London.

“…This medal is from God, particularly now that Uganda is celebrating 50 years of independence,” Museveni added.

He was also at pains to point out that when another star athlete Kipsiro won gold in India, he had made some directives to improve sport facilities in Uganda which are yet to be implemented.  He however vowed that the new directives would take immediate effect.

He accordingly directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure that Uganda sports men and women who win medals at the African level and beyond get financial support from government and also get job placements with government agencies especially the Army, Police, Prisons, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Intelligence Serves etc.

The President also directed the Ministry to construct a high altitude training facility in Sebei region within a year and said athletes employed in government service should be encouraged to get more time for training in addition to their normal duties.

Museveni then presented Kiprotich with a cheque of Shs 200 million and directed that the money be deposited on his account before the close of business that same day.  He also pledged to build a three bed room house for Kiprotich’s parents.

He however conceded that the government had not really prepared well for the Olympic games – because it had to first solve various pressing issues including restoring peace and security, infrastructure development, and electricity provision.

Museveni also said part of the problem was because the people of Kapchorwa, who seem to excel most in athletics in Uganda, had not yet settled because of displacements.  Kiprotich’s success, Museveni suggested, was therefore due to the fact that the people of Kapchorwa are now able to return to their homes.

The State House breakfast was also attended by Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi, Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, and the Minister for Education Jesca Alupo among others.  END.  Login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories mid-week for our updates

Follow us: Twitter: @UGCorrespondent

Follow us: Facebook: Uganda Correspondent