Uganda Athletics Federation president Otucet urges unity among athletes
Otucet made the appeal during the closing ceremony of a World Athletics Level I coaching course, where 24 coaches successfully completed their training at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda Olympic Committee president Dr. Donald Rukare (C) and Dominic Otucet pose for a photo with athletics coaches at Namboole PHOTO: Johnson Were
Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otucet has called for unity among athletes, emphasizing that national cohesion is key to Uganda’s success on the international stage.
Otucet made the appeal during the closing ceremony of a World Athletics Level I coaching course, where 24 coaches successfully completed their training at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. The one-week course was conducted at both Kyambogo University grounds and Namboole Stadium.
“I’m aware that we currently have two major training camps in Uganda—one managing Joshua Cheptegei and the other Jacob Kiplimo. While competition is healthy, athletes being under different management should not divide us,” Otucet said.
He also urged athletes to honor national team call-ups, noting that it is the Federation that registers them for international competitions.
Former athlete Justine Bayiga (second right) receives her certificate from Uganda Olympic Committee president Dr. Dnald Rukare as Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otucet looks on at Namboole. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Otucet explained that his call for unity comes as Uganda prepares for several global events, including the Commonwealth Games, World Islamic Games, and the 2028 Olympic Games.
Cheptegei is managed by Global Sports Communication (GSC), while Kiplimo is under the Italian-based Rosa Associati, led by Federico Rosa. Otucet expressed concern that rivalry between camps could strain relationships among athletes and disrupt team harmony.
He further encouraged coaches and athletes to embrace Christian values, saying, “Accept Jesus Christ as your savior, and you will be guided to glory without falling into temptation.”
The event’s chief guest, Dr. Donald Rukare, urged the newly trained coaches to apply their knowledge and uplift athletes across the country.
“Being a Level I coach is just the beginning. Keep upgrading your skills and strive to become globally recognized. Be the kind of coach who supports athletes and protects them from harmful practices that could ruin their talent,” Rukare advised.
The coaching course was facilitated by World Athletics instructors Innocent Asiimwe and Charles Mukiibi.