Uganda’s middle-distance runners must up their game on the world stage

Uganda needs to quickly prioritise rebuilding its middle-distance running talent to match the success currently seen in long-distance events, especially following the results from the FISU World University Games. 

On Tuesday night at the Lohrheide Stadium in Bochum, Ugandan coaches must have observed that endurance alone is no longer sufficient to win middle-distance races; speed is crucial.

Athletes Pricilla Akello, Marvarous Oshaba, Edreen Tenywa, and John Ayesiga competed in the 800m and 1500m races, but none qualified for the next round, falling behind by over 10 seconds each. 

Uganda's Marvarous Orishaba (2nd left) struggles to keep up with the pace during one of the heats of the 800m race of the FISU World University Games a at the Lohrheidestadion in Bochum. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Ayesiga clocked 3:54.30, while Tenywa recorded 4:07.76, finishing 11.33 and 24.79 seconds off the winning time of 3:42.97 set by Poland’s Filip Ostrowski. Similarly, the best Ugandan women in the 800m, Oshaba and Akello, finished 8.94 and 9.70 seconds behind the winner, Kenyan Gladys Chepngetich, who posted a time of 2:02.63, leaving the Ugandans behind 34 other contestants. 

The Ugandan athletes employed poor strategies and struggled to manage their races, tiring out after the first two laps, especially in the 1500m. The most notable was Ayesiga, who led for over 800 meters but ultimately acted as a pace setter for his competitors, who overtook him during the final lap. 

“I thought the pace was slow, which is why I stayed at the front, believing I could maintain that to the finish, but my opponents had saved their energy for the end,” Ayesiga reflected.

“I underperformed, failing to match my personal best by six seconds. I learned a lot from this race that I will apply next time. I won't set the pace for others; instead, I will hold back until the final lap. This race has provided valuable lessons.” 

Tenywa experienced similar challenges, staying with the frontrunners before losing steam halfway through. 

“I ran with a cold, which affected my breathing, and at a certain point, I felt heavy, so I had to push through,” Tenywa said. 

“I was okay for the first 1000 meters, but I have learned that good preparation is essential for such competitions. Next time, I will need to prepare better, as these are the junior Olympics. Thorough preparations are crucial for these events.” 

Uganda's Edreen Tenywa (centre) in the thick of action during one of the heats of the 1500m race of the FISU World University Games a at the Lohrheidestadion in Bochum; July 21; 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Akello recognised the need for hard work and to address her shortcomings with her coaches before returning to such competitions. 

“This is my first FISU event, and I know I have more opportunities, but this has shown me that I must work harder to compete at this level or in other championships. We gave it our best, and we have all learned lessons from this experience,” Akello stated. 

In badminton, Uganda's Jordan Abo lost 2-0 to Poland’s Jan Wilczak as singles action began in Mülheim An Der Ruhr. By press time, Kruthum Nalumansi is set to start her singles match against Thailand’s Thamonwan Nithiittikrai in the round of 64. Tennis player Patience Athieno also faced an early exit, unable to progress to the Consolation Round of 16 after losing in straight sets (2-0) to Finland’s Maria Aino Aleksandra Alkio on Tuesday.