Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Seth Akampa (black) while training at Riverside stadium track on Tuesday
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Mbarara
Promising long-distance runner Seth Akampa is currently torn between seizing a life-changing opportunity and losing it entirely to financial constraints.
As the saying goes, "The misfortune that strikes a poor person never gives a break" — and this is a true reflection of Akampa's situation.
Having been introduced to the scholarship by selfless Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) Administrator and Safeguarding Officer Ayebare Patricia, and immediately recommended by the UOC, Akampa was cleared to enrol for a Master of Sports Administration at the Russian International Olympic University. His intake is scheduled for next month.
According to his admission schedule, the course runs for nine months, from September 14, 2026, to June 2027.
While tuition, accommodation, and feeding will be fully covered by the Russian International Olympic University, Akampa still finds himself short of what the university will not provide — specifically, a return air ticket, visa, insurance, and upkeep money throughout the course.
Akampa, a law graduate of Bishop Stuart University, has been supported by the university throughout his studies. However, at the time of writing, he had not yet received a response to his financial request from the university administration.
The Master of Sports Administration is a course offered to graduates, internationally acclaimed athletes, coaches, officers of sports organisations, and university sports ambassadors from leading universities worldwide. Akampa is honoured to have been recognised with the offer.
"I have earned this scholarship in recognition of my background as an athlete and my affiliation with a leading private university. I am happy that my background as an athlete and my university, Bishop Stuart, are being recognised at this level," Akampa says.
Few Ugandans have attained this distinction. Among them are Patricia Ayebare, UOC Senior Administrator; George Wagogo, President of AUS; and Emmanuel Aupal, FASU Student Ambassador. Akampa would join this distinguished group, should his appeal for financial support succeed.
Upon completing the course, Akampa would gain advanced knowledge and practical skills in sports management, administration, leadership, governance, finance, marketing, event management, and strategic planning.
"Studying in an international environment will also expose me to modern approaches to sport development and management, as well as international standards and best practices," he says.
He adds that he intends to apply the knowledge and experience gained to contribute to the development of sport at Bishop Stuart University specifically — by strengthening sports administration, improving sports programmes, supporting athletes and coaches, organising competitive sporting events, and promoting effective sports governance.
"I will also be better equipped to develop sustainable sports initiatives and partnerships within the university and the wider Ugandan sporting community," he says.
At the international level, the Master's degree will enhance his ability to work and collaborate with international sports organisations, federations, clubs, universities, and other stakeholders.
"I will bring valuable international experience and professional networks back to Uganda, while contributing to the growth, professionalism, and global competitiveness of Ugandan sport at all levels," Akampa says.
It is all of this that Akampa stands to gain — but the financial constraints at hand may yet cause this opportunity to slip through his fingers, unless a well-wisher comes to his rescue in the little time that remains.
