MPs honour gold medalist Cheptegei, demand for Teryet training centre

The completion of the Teryet National High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa District has received a pressing request from the Ministry of Education and Sports. This plea was voiced by the Chief Opposition Chief, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, during the recent plenary session on August 22, 2023. Nambeshe's statement was prompted by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa's congratulatory message to Joshua Cheptegei for achieving a remarkable feat of three consecutive world athletics championship victories. Securing gold in the 10,000 metres race at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary on August 20, 2023, Cheptegei joined the ranks of renowned track figures such as Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Belele, and Mo Farah. In reference to Cheptegei, Nambeshe emphasized that the most fitting tribute would be the swift completion of the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre. Nambeshe noted, "Initiated in 2012 with an anticipated handover in 2020, the progress has been slow, and there's been little advancement despite the investment of Shs26 billion." Contrarily, the State Minister for Education and Sports (Higher Education), Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo, asserted that substantial progress has been made, with 98 percent of the center's construction already accomplished. Muyingo stated, "I can assure you that this high altitude training centre is nearing completion. We will soon invite you to witness the impressive work that's being done." However, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu raised concerns about the readiness of the training center, questioning its suitability given that Ugandan athletes still train in Kenya. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa tasked the State Minister for Sports to provide Parliament with an update on the advancements of the football stadiums and the high altitude training center by August 24, 2023. Furthermore, Hon. Allan Ssewanyana stressed that the minister's statement should address the declining performance and participation of Ugandan athletes in international competitions. On a related note, Hon. Michael Kakembo urged the Ministry of Education and Sports to allocate funds to prepare Ugandan athletes for the qualifiers of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Minister Muyingo assured that the program had been budgeted for and funds would be allocated to various teams.