Isella Chebet and Keizia Chebet have secured their places in Uganda’s history after stunning performances at the EAAR Africa U18 & U20 Championships in Zanzibar, where they clinched gold and silver, respectively, in the 3000m event.
Their victories come just days after Uganda officially flagged off a 30-member delegation to represent the country at the championships.
The team, comprising 12 U18 athletes, 13 U20 athletes and five officials, was selected through rigorous national trials organised by the Uganda Athletics Federation, reflecting a growing structure aimed at nurturing future champions.
At a colourful flag-off ceremony held at Copper Chimney in Kampala, Sarah Chelangat, Assistant General Secretary for Technical at the National Council of Sports, inspired the young athletes to compete with pride and passion.
Chelangat highlighted the new Sports Act as a game-changer, promising that outstanding athletes would not only be celebrated but also formally rewarded.
“For years, we’ve had excellent athletes who represented Uganda but were soon forgotten,” Chelangat said. “With this law, if you excel, you’ll be written into the history books of Uganda and rewarded.”
