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David GOMBE

Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otuchet says Ugandan athletics would win much more world medals if authorities gave the federation simply half of what’s allotted to soccer.

Otuchet made the remarks as he questioned what he known as an unfair comparability between athletics and soccer funding.

“When individuals say they’ve given athletics all of the help and we have now not carried out, I feel they don’t seem to be being truthful in comparison with what the federal government offers soccer and what it offers athletics,” Otuchet mentioned.

“Should you see the efficiency of athletics versus soccer and we’re speaking about world medals, I don’t see any in soccer however how a lot do they get. You see, it’s not a good evaluation actually. Allow them to check us. Even when they gave us 50% of what’s given to soccer the efficiency will change.”

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Uganda’s athletics staff has delivered a number of World and Olympic medals over time, together with Stephen Kiprotich’s London 2012 marathon gold, Joshua Cheptegei’s triumphs at Main occasions, Kiplimo’s World Cross Nation titles and Peruth Chemutai’s Olympic steeplechase gold.

Victor Kiplangat additionally excelled on the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth video games with a marathon gold. Dorcus Inzikuru’s 2005 Steeplechase world title and her 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth gold. Boniface Kiprop additionally clinched 10000m gold on the 2006 Melbourne video games.

Funds Hole and MP Sensitization

Otuchet revealed that for this monetary yr, Uganda Athletics requires.Shs 10 billion for actions however has been knowledgeable they’ll obtain Shs 3 billion from authorities.

“That’s not even 50% of what we require,” he mentioned. “Because the Federation we’re going out to search for Sponsors who will cowl the hole we have now proper now.”

He additionally mentioned the federation will have interaction Parliament to vary the narrative round sports activities funding.

“The orientation of Members of Parliament is barely totally different and we because the federation we’ll attain out to them to allow them to learn about athletics. Many members of Parliament speak about sports activities once they solely know soccer. Because the federation we wish to allow them to know that it’s the monitor and athletics that has introduced glory to this nation.”

Otuchet recalled an incident after the London Olympics:

“I keep in mind once we got here again from the London Olympics with Stephen Kiprotich having received the gold and once we have been in Parliament, one Member stood up and thanked FUFA for making ready Kiprotich and we have been there within the foyer.”

With authorities pumping over Shs 508 billion into sports activities in FY 2025/26 and absolutely funding nationwide soccer groups, Otuchet’s name provides to the controversy on equitable funding throughout sports activities disciplines in Uganda.

Uganda Athletics now says it can chase non-public sponsors to bridge the Shs 7 billion shortfall because it prepares athletes for upcoming World Championships and the Olympics.