Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Esther Chebet (1), Riska Cherop (2) and Annet Chelangat after having been awared the cash prize by PIBID managing director Dr Florence Muranga
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BUSHENYI
The inaugural Olympics Day Tooke Run, organised by the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) in conjunction with the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development/Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (PIBID/BIRDC), got off to a colourful start and successful finish on Saturday at Bushenyi Main Grounds.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, represented the President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, and flagged off the 5km and 10km races.
Participants in the 5km race nearing the finish line
Also in attendance were several Members of Parliament from the Ankole sub-region, including Iddi Basajjabalaba (Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality), Dr. Eng. John Bosco Koy Kariisa (Buhweju West), Cohen Amanya Kyampene (Igara West), Adrine Mwebesa (Sheema District Woman MP), Zadock Mutekanga (Buhweju County), and Rebecca Kyarampe Namanya (Mitooma District Woman MP), among other district leaders. However, while the day's protocol attracted prominent leaders, it was the prize money that captured the attention of many.
Abel Chebet (1) Martin Kiprotich (2) and Alex Kiplagat after the hefty cash prize as they topped the 21km race in the men's categoryu
The organisers had earmarked Shs120 million in prize money, but what surprised many spectators—and left leaders from Ankole reflecting—was the overwhelming dominance of athletes from the Sebei sub-region, particularly Kween and Kapchorwa districts.
Out of the total prize purse, approximately Shs119.2 million was won by runners from Sebei, with Ankole managing only a single podium finish.
The host region's only breakthrough came from Cosmas Amumpaire of Ntungamo District, who finished third in the men's 5km race to earn Shs800,000.
That was the only podium finish for the Ankole region throughout the competition.
While announcing the winners, Uganda Athletics Assistant General Secretary Apollo Musherure challenged leaders from western Uganda to invest more in athletics development.
"Leaders in this region should realise that there is a need to support athletics. As you can witness today, almost all the prize money has gone in one direction, while only one runner from this region managed to finish on the podium," Musherure said.
His remarks served as a wake-up call for leaders from Ankole and Kigezi, where athletics talent remains largely untapped despite the regions producing several promising athletes.
Kabale-born Marvelous Orishaba, who has enjoyed success in secondary school and university competitions, finished fifth in the women's 10km race won by Nancy Chepkrui.
21km women category and 15m cash prize winner Esther Chebet
Meanwhile, Mark Biryomumaisho, who has overcome a difficult upbringing to emerge as one of the region's promising athletes, initially finished seventh in the men's 21km race.
However, following a technical review that was yet to be officially confirmed by the time of publication, Biryomumaisho was expected to be elevated to fifth position following the disqualification of Abel Chebet.
Despite Sebei's overwhelming dominance, the performances of Orishaba, Biryomumaisho and Amumpaire demonstrated that western Uganda, particularly the Kigezi and Ankole sub-regions, has athletes capable of competing at the highest level if given adequate support.
Cosmas Amumpaire, was the only winner from Western Uganda after finishing 3rd in the 5km men's category for a 800000 cash prize
With improved training facilities, sponsorship and exposure, the trio could become strong contenders in future national and international competitions.
Musherure emphasised that talent exists across the country, but sustained investment is needed to nurture athletes outside the traditional athletics powerhouses.
Overall, the Olympics Day Tooke Run provided a successful build-up for Uganda's preparations ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where athletes such as Esther Chebet are expected to represent the country.
*Subject to confirmation following a technical review.
