By Michael Nsubuga

MR Uganda Ivan Byekwaso today leads a ten-man team to the inaugural FAME-NTP Africa natural bodybuilding championships in Eldoret, Kenya, that will have the six top performers share $5000.

After beating a strong field of 66 East African bodybuilders to emerge champion of the World Aids day event held in Kericho last month, he returns to familiar ground and will use his experience to gun for the top prize of $1500.

The 29-year-old middle weight Uganda bodybuilding champion will be gunning for his second regional crown after his exploits in Kericho saw him become the first Ugandan to win a title at the East African level.

He will compete alongside Mr. Uganda runner up Andrew Kibirige (light heavy) and flyweight champion Mubarak Kizito who was voted as the best poser in the Kericho event, at one of the biggest ever organised event in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Others on the team are Elfaz Kawuki (l/weight), Sam Kalema and Rashid Kassim (welter), Edward Mugerwa (middle), Ronald Nkonge (heavy), Umar Bulega, Alimansi Kajjumba and Robert Ssenyonjo (bantam).

The overall winner at the meet will represent Africa at the FAME championships in the US in August.
Smith Malachi from Oklahoma, US, will be the guest poser at the meet that has attracted contestants from Angola, S. Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, DR Congo, and Tanzania and hosts Kenya.