Kigezi High Altitude Club steps onto national stage

_________________

Kigezi High Altitude Athletics Club (KHAAC) is set to make its maiden appearance at the national cross-country championship in Tororo this Saturday.

The newly formed club, established by passionate athletics enthusiasts in Kigezi under the patronage of Dr Peter Ngategize, has entered six athletes—four men and two women—aiming to make a strong impression in their debut outing.

Although the selected athletes are not new to competitive running, this will be their first major contest under the KHAAC banner. Among them are East Africa University Games gold medalists Seth Akampa and Marvelous Orishaba, who have joined the club as affiliate athletes.

Coaches Gordon Ahimbisibwe (yellow) and Michael Byomuhangi (red top) hatch a plan during the athletics camp in Kabale last month. (Photo by Aloysius Byamukama)

“We are a new club with a passion and mainly looking at reviving the sport in the area (Kigezi). We currently have the two upcoming runners registered with us, and we are looking at how they can motivate the rest in the area so they come up as we target continued identification and development,” club proprietor Peter Ngategize said.

Akampa will lead the men’s team alongside Henry Mugume, Edigar Nsiimiramukama, and Mark Biryomumeisho, while Orishaba and Patricia Kobuhwezi make up the women’s team.

The six athletes were selected from a three-week training camp that culminated in a marathon held in Kabale on January 26, where 20 runners competed.

Renowned athletics coach Gordon Ahimbisibwe has taken charge of the team’s technical preparations and will oversee their performance during the competition.

Last year, Kobuhwezi finished 32nd in the senior women’s 10km race, clocking 45:30.1, while Akampa and Mugume finished 5th and 24th, respectively. Both Akampa and Mugume are now expected to compete in the senior men’s 10km category, aiming for even better results.