Cheptegei sounds alarm over shs28bn National Training Centre without toilets, impassable roads
Addressing the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, during a visit to inspect government programmes in Kapchorwa, Cheptegei said athletes and users of the centre face significant challenges.
Ugandan long-distance runner and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei (2nd right) complaining to Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara (right) about the poor state of the incomplete 7km Stadium road near the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa. Photo: Donald Kiirya
Ugandan long-distance runner and current world record holder in the 5000m and 10,000m, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, has raised alarm over the poor state and incomplete construction of key roads, including a vital 7-kilometre training route for athletes.
A two-time Olympic champion and three-time world 10,000m champion, Cheptegei voiced strong complaints about the state of the High Altitude Training Centre, highlighting an inadequate access road and the complete absence of toilets and other basic facilities.
Addressing the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, during a visit to inspect government programmes in Kapchorwa, Cheptegei said athletes and users of the centre face significant challenges.
He pointed to a problematic Stadium road linked to a rock formation near the facility.
Vehicles that were in the Minister's entourage during the inspection of the road got stuck at some sections where stones were visibly seen, making it difficult for officials to proceed due to the road being incomplete.
He recalled that when the President visited in 2024, measures were discussed regarding the rock and access through the training centre, yet difficulties persisted for those training there and for surrounding communities needing passage.
"When the President was commissioning the training centre, it was said that the road was complete. It was connected, really, from that side to this side. They lied to the President. They lied. I was there. This road is impassable... I use this road for our training," Cheptegei stated, emphasising how crucial the terrain is for local athletes.
He questioned how a Shs28 billion training centre meant for elite athletes, including a living world champion, could be built without essential amenities such as toilets.
"I've never seen a 100% built training centre without a toilet, whoever was involved should be honest," he added, stressing the need for accountability.
He said Ugandans feel "robbed" by officials and called for collective action: "Let us love this movement and fight corruption in the local governments, in schools, in municipalities, and all other sectors."
He argued that better management would create a healthier environment conducive to productivity.
Addressing the 7-kilometre road project, which had reportedly received shs1 billion, Minister Barugahara questioned the transparency of the project's financial disbursements and demanded an immediate accounting of the funds.
"Very bad. And it's a very vital road for training for athletes. That's why it's all Joshua Cheptegei again. We need this road," Barugahara said.
The Minister further condemned contractors and officials involved in separate municipal road networks and health facility projects, promising that those responsible for stealing public resources would face immediate arrest and prosecution.