By Aloysius Byamukama in Mbarara

US-based Ugandan runner Julius Mutekanga has decided to put off his plans for a master’s programme and focus on qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The world’s biggest sporting competition will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mutekanga, a 800m runner, also wants to attain glory at the global show.

At the London 2012 Games, the athlete failed to make an impact.

But his colleague Stephen Kiprotich brought honour to the country by winning a marathon gold.

Mutekanga, who announced his Brazil Games plans after visiting Vision Group Mbarara bureau office yesterday, had enrolled for a master’s degree before heading to the London competition.

The runner, who completed a degree course in New York in 2007, said he will go back for studies after the Brazil Games.

“You can only run when you are still young,” Mutekanga said.

The athlete said that he will soon launch his plans for the Brazil Olympics.