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Annitah Akankwatsa competes bare chested in the 1500m during the Bushenyi Municipality kids athletics last week
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By Our Reporter
Bushenyi - Young Bushenyi district athlete Annitah Akankwatsa has continued to receive sympathetic support from well-wishers following her brave act of running bare-chested during the Bushenyi Municipality Kids Athletics Championship. Akankwatsa, a Primary Six pupil at Nyamiko Primary School, surprised many while competing for her Nyakabirizi Division. She threw away her blouse mid-race, feeling uncomfortable under the hot sun during the 1500m competition.
Annitah Akankwatsa gets 50,000 shillings and her certificate from Apollo Musherure
Before removing the blouse, Akankwatsa was trailing in fifth position. However, she gained momentum and finished in second place—a performance that earned her a slot on the municipality team set to represent Bushenyi at the National Kids Athletics Championships in Kabale from May 4–13.
Her bravery caught the attention of several officials. Oscar Muhumuza offered her a new bob tube, while Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) representative Apollo Musherure gave her UGX 50,000 for personal needs ahead of the national competition.
When her story aired on TV West, a Vision Group television station in Western Uganda, it garnered attention from Ugandans living abroad. Reuben Twijukye, a Ugandan based in the United States, was among those touched by Akankwatsa's story. He recently provided scholastic materials and committed to paying her school dues while also offering parental guidance to help her grow into a successful athlete.
“I was touched by her bravery. As an athlete, I understand what runners go through. When I watched her and saw her courage, I knew she has the potential to become a star. She needs educational support and guidance through life’s challenges, and I’ve offered to help through her mother and teachers,” Twijukye said.
Annitah Akankwatsa struggles to pull her skirt to cover her chest during a 1500m race in Bushenyi
Twijukye is a former Ugandan athlete whose talent earned him a scholarship to the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a Master of Science in Human Resource and Leadership Development, and a Ph.D. in the same field from Louisiana State University. He now serves as an Assistant Professor of Management at Alabama A&M University.
Akankwatsa’s mother, Annet Kenjore, expressed deep gratitude for the support her daughter is receiving.
“I am thankful to God for bringing someone to help one of my children. I’m a single mother facing many challenges, especially after their father, Emmanuel Nuwagira, sold all our land and ran away with the money. I’ve struggled ever since, but now Twijukye joins Benon, who has also been supportive,” said a tearful yet happy Kenjore.
Twijukye has previously supported several promising Ugandan athletes, including Tarsis Orogot, Susan Aneno, Emmanuel Rwotomiya, Chrispus Atukwatse, and Rodgers Aryamanya, offering them both athletic and academic guidance.
Torch Media Africa
