"We need more tracks": Chepkwurui calls for decentralisation after UA re-election

Uganda's 1500m and 3000m steeplechase runner Nancy Chepkwurui has pledged to champion the interests of sprinters and middle-distance athletes after securing a second  one year term as the female athletes' representative on the Uganda Athletics (UA) executive committee.

Chepkwurui returned unopposed during the Uganda Athletics elections held on June 27 on the final day of the National Track and Field Championships at UCU, Mukono. She will continue serving alongside the male athletes' representative, Godfrey Chanwengo, who was also elected unopposed.

Speaking after her re-election, Chepkwurui said improving access to quality training and competition facilities would be among her top priorities, noting that the shortage of standard athletics tracks continues to hinder the development of many athletes.

"One of the biggest challenges athletes face is the lack of competition tracks. Namboole is now closed, and if we had more standard tracks, we would not be so affected. I want to engage the federation and see how athletes, especially sprinters and middle-distance runners, can be supported," she said.

"Namboole is the only track in Kampala. With it under renovation, it has greatly affected sprinters and middle-distance runners. I want to highlight these challenges to the federation and see how it responds," Chepkwurui added.

Chepkwurui also called for the decentralization of athletics competitions to reduce the financial burden on athletes from upcountry, many of whom struggle to travel to Kampala for national championships.

She pointed to Kapchorwa, which already has a running track, as one of the venues capable of hosting national competitions.

"I wish some competitions could be held in Kapchorwa because many athletes miss track and field events simply because they cannot afford transport to Kampala," she noted.

Chepkwurui further urged Uganda Athletics to promote regional competitions and invest in constructing standard tracks across the country.

"I want to encourage the federation to construct competitive tracks in every region so that it is not only Kampala hosting national competitions. Every region should be able to stage national events and give talented athletes an opportunity to qualify for international competitions," she said.

Chepkwurui believes taking athletics closer to communities will widen participation, ease access to competitions and help Uganda identify more talent capable of representing the country on the international stage.