World champion Cheptegei promoted to ASP rank

HONOURS

The Police Advisory Committee (PAC) has written to President Yoweri Museveni recommending the promotion of multi-world record holder Joshua Cheptegei, from the rank of Inspector of Police (IP) to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

"The Police Advisory Committee (PAC) has recommended IP Joshua Cheptegei who broke four world records in long distance competitions, for promotion to his next rank of ASP," Police officials noted on Monday.

The deputy Police spokesperson, Polly Namaye, said that Police officials on PAC made the promotion recommendation.

"The PAC meeting sat this week and made a recommendation to promote Cheptegei Joshua to the next rank. Other details shall follow to implement this recommendation," she said.

The promotion of Cheptegei to ASP rank now lies in the hands of the President, who over time, has played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of Cheptegei's track tenacity following his world cross-country implosion at Kololo in 2017.

Since that time, Cheptegei has been a rising star, later going on to win silver at the world championship in London that very year. He has transformed into one of the greatest athletes Uganda has ever produced.

The 24-year-old is now one of the fiercest competitions when it comes to middle-distance running.

Fresh from breaking the 10, 000m world record in Valencia, Cheptegei, this month also made a first attempt at the World Half Marathon Championship race in Poland, which was won by compatriot Jacob Kiplimo. On his debut, Cheptegei finished in fourth position.

Following his stellar track record, several Ugandans have also implored Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) to re-name one of the city roads in honour of Cheptegei.