Karamoja girl to carry Olympic torch

By James Bakama

A Ugandan student, Catherine Lometo, from Moroto in Karamoja, will be one of the 20 people that have been chosen for an Olympic torch relay on June 28 in Nottingham.

Lometo, a student at Nalinya Lwantale Girls Secondary School, was nominated because of her athletics potential and status as a role model in her school.

“I love participating in long races,” Lometo said in a Unicef press release, adding that her dream is to emulate Uganda’s double Commonwealth gold medalist, Moses Kipsiro.

Lometo, like the other 19 people in the torch relay, was selected due to her involvement in the London 2012 International Inspiration Programme. 

This project brings to life the pledge made by the London 2012 bid team in 2005 to reach young people around the world through high quality and inclusive physical education, sport and play. 

The programme is currently helping change the lives of over 12 million young people. 

It is delivered around the world by a unique partnership of organisations, including the British Council, Unicef UK and UK Sport. 

The 2012 Olympics Games are scheduled to take place in London, from July 27 to August 12. 

Uganda will participate in the games.

Lomet’s idol Kipsiro will be one of the stars at the London games. 

Kipsiro has hit the games mark in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. 

Other Ugandan runners at the prestigious quadrennial meet will include All Africa Games 800m champion Annet Negesa and national marathon record holder Stephen Chepkirwok.