As of February 19, 2025, the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) is celebrating yet another triumph on the regional stage, with young talent Jacob Kiplimo leading the charge at the recent East African Athletics Championships held in Arusha, Tanzania. The event, which concluded last week, showcased Uganda’s growing dominance in long-distance running and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of champions.
Kiplimo, already a household name after his world record-breaking performance in the half-marathon and Olympic gold in the 10,000 meters, delivered a masterclass in the 5,000 meters, clocking an impressive 12:48.23 to secure gold. His performance not only silenced critics but also inspired a wave of young athletes who watched in awe as he surged ahead in the final lap, leaving competitors trailing. “This win is for Uganda and for all the young runners back home who dream big,” Kiplimo said after the race, his voice filled with pride.
The UAF team, led by President Dominic Otuchet, brought home a total of four medals from the championships, including two golds, one silver, and a bronze. Emerging star Nancy Chepkwurui made her mark in the women’s 3,000 meters steeplechase, clinching silver with a personal best of 9:15.67, while Titus Musua secured bronze in the men’s 1,500 meters, finishing just shy of the podium’s top spot but showing tremendous potential for future competitions.
This success comes on the heels of the UAF’s ongoing partnership with international bodies, including the German Government through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which has bolstered training facilities and coaching programs across the country. “Our athletes are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved—from coaches to support staff and our partners,” said Otuchet. “We’re building a legacy that Joshua Cheptegei and Stephen Kiprotich started, and we’re just getting started.”
The Arusha Championships also highlighted Uganda’s depth in athletics, with several junior athletes qualifying for upcoming international events, including the World Athletics U20 Championships later this year. Coaches have praised the federation’s grassroots initiatives, which have identified talent in regions like Kapchorwa and Naboole, areas known for producing some of Uganda’s greatest runners.
For the Uganda Athletics Federation, this moment is more than just medals—it’s a signal of resurgence. Despite challenges like limited funding and infrastructure, the UAF continues to punch above its weight, drawing inspiration from past legends like John Akii-Bua and Dorcus Inzikuru. The federation’s vision, as outlined on its official website, remains clear: to develop and promote athletics in Uganda while fostering a culture of excellence and resilience.
As the sun sets on another successful chapter, Ugandan fans are already looking forward to the next challenge. With athletes like Kiplimo and Chepkwurui leading the way, and the UAF’s unwavering support, the future of Ugandan athletics looks brighter than ever.
