Kipsiro’s Hilltop Camp sparks athletics revival in Bukwo

Former Commonwealth Games champion Moses Kipsiro is breathing new life into athletics in Bukwo District through his Hilltop training camp, a project that is steadily turning raw talent into world-class athletes.

What began as a modest initiative with just three athletes has now grown into a vibrant camp of more than 30 runners, most of them youngsters from Bukwo who dream of following in Kipsiro’s footsteps.

Training from Amanang playground, the athletes are not only gaining technical skills but also the inspiration of working under a man whose name once brought global glory to Uganda.

Kipsiro, a three-time Commonwealth Games medalist, says the camp was born out of the countless requests from young athletes who looked up to him.

“Many athletes used to come to me for help and said they wanted to be like me. Inspiring them was not enough, so I decided to put up a camp to ease their training and help them chase their dreams,” Kipsiro explained.

The impact of this initiative is already visible. From its humble beginnings, the camp now boasts a representative at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with Herbert Kibet qualifying in the 5000m event.

For Bukwo, a district that has often played second fiddle to Kapchorwa in terms of athletics development, this milestone is a strong statement of what the Kipsiro camp can achieve.

Beyond producing athletes, the camp is shaping a new sporting identity for Bukwo. With structured training, mentorship, and a sense of community, young athletes are finding a platform to showcase their potential. For many, the camp is more than a training ground; it is a pathway to education, opportunities, and a chance to lift their families out of poverty.

However, the journey is not without challenges. The camp struggles with limited accommodation, inadequate feeding, and a lack of modern training facilities. Despite these hurdles, Kipsiro remains determined.

“Having been an athlete, running is in my DNA. I am more than willing to help others achieve even more than I did. Many people thought athletics in Bukwo ended with me, but I am glad to see someone from my camp heading to Tokyo for the World Championships,” he said with pride.

Kipsiro now calls on well-wishers and sports stakeholders to support the project so that Bukwo can one day stand shoulder to shoulder with Kapchorwa as a hotbed of Uganda’s athletics talent. With his guidance, the district is proving that it too has the ability to produce champions who can shine on the world stage.