Uganda’s U20 & U18 athletes face tough final trials for East Africa Championships

Junior athletes will have more than just winning or setting records on their minds at the fourth round of the national athletics trials in Namboole on Saturday.

The event will be used to select Uganda’s U18 and U20 national youth teams for the Eastern Africa U18 and U20 Championship, scheduled for April 26 in Tanzania.

“Athletes have tested their speeds and fitness in the previous trials. Now this one is expected to be tough since it is the final selection for the U20 team to Tanzania for the continental championship,” noted Abdallah Muhamad, the Uganda Athletics Federation Publicity Secretary.

This is what will make Saturday’s national trials particularly exciting and competitive in the junior category.

In the women’s 3000m, a cutthroat battle is expected as Bentalin Yeko, Risper Cherop, Keziah Chebet, and Kereen Chelimo of Prisons Athletics Club face off against their Police counterparts, Peace Chebet and Isella Chebet.

Yeko won the previous trials at Namboole with a time of 9 minutes, 9.32 seconds and will aim to improve on that performance. However, she faces stiff opposition from teammates Cherop, Chebet, and Chelimo, who are not only targeting victory but also looking to secure their spots for the EAAR Championship.

In the men’s category, Victor Cherotich, Hosea Chemutai, and Levi Kituri of Prisons will have a thrilling challenge as they take on strong competitors Connel Chiprotich, Samuel Simba Cherop, and Joshua Ayeko (Police) in a battle of forces.

Others, including Aggrey Kwemoi (UPDF), Jabeth Arapsatya, Dan Kipyeko, and Solomon Chemayek, will also be vying for a place on the national team to Tanzania.

Eight athletes—four men and four women—will form the national team, though the UAF is considering taking more athletes if resources allow.