Athlete-owned clubs drive new era in Uganda’s athletics

For years, Uganda’s athletics landscape was largely dominated by forces and institutions.

However, a new wave of athlete-owned clubs and training camps is steadily reshaping the sport, ushering in a significant shift driven by the athletes themselves.

Current and former stars such as Joshua Cheptegei and Moses Kipsiro respectively deserve immense credit for championing a new model of athlete empowerment.

Having risen to global prominence and brought pride to the country on the world stage, they are now using their own resources to nurture the next generation. Instead of retreating into private business pursuits after their competitive careers, they have chosen to reinvest in the sport that defined them.

Their efforts are evident in the increasing presence of runners emerging from their training camps. It is becoming common for every national team heading for international competitions to feature athletes groomed under either Kipsiro’s camp or the Cheptegei Foundation.

Their impact is already visible. Today, it is increasingly common for national teams at international championships to feature athletes who train under Kipsiro or Cheptegei foundation. For the Ugandan team heading to the 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships slated for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, Kipsiro’s athletics camp will be represented by three athletes: Solomon Ndiema, Daniel Kiprotich, and Jeremiah Kwemoi.

Kipsiro takes immense pride in seeing his athletes reach global platforms.

“I am always humbled by what we can achieve with the little finances we have. Imagine what we could do with more,” he said. “It is my pleasure to give back to the sport that gave me so much. The young generation must carry it forward, and as long as I am here, I will do everything I can to support this sport.”

The Joshua Cheptegei Foundation will also be represented on the team through Dan Kipyeko, another promising talent emerging from an athlete-led initiative.

Together, these two icons are proving that the future of Uganda’s athletics lies not only in medals but in mentorship, investment, and giving back. Their efforts mark the beginning of a new era, one where athletes build the structures that sustain the sport they love.