President Yoweri Museveni on Friday evening handed over the national flag to the team traveling for the 2012 London Olympics.
Flanked by the state minister of Education and Sports Charles Bakkabulindi, the President asked the team to work hard and win medals in London, promising them support in “a bigger way.”
He also ordered that the 100 US dollars he promised each athlete who participated in the 2011 All Africa Games in Mozambique be given to them immediately. Team captain Ganzi Mugula, a swimmer, received the National Flag on behalf of the team as most athletes are in their training camps. Female athlete Annet Negesa also attended the short ceremony that took place at State House in Entebbe.
The President did not, however, announce any incentives to medal winners as had been anticipated by the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC). William Blick, the UOC Acting President said they were happy that the President had given them blessings and it was now time for the team to travel and struggle to represent the country well.
Officials of the Ministry of Education and Sports also attended the function together with the Secretary General of the National Council of Sports (NCS), Jasper Aligawesa and UOC Secretary General Penninah Kabenge. The NCS Secretary General said he was happy with the president’s promise of giving sports close attention.
//Cue in: “I am very happy…
Cue out:…facilitate our athletes.”//
The first contingent of Uganda’s team will leave on Sunday, while the others who connected from Europe like swimmer Jamila Lunkuse and 800m runner Julius Mutekanga are already in London.
Team Uganda
Athletes make up the bulk of Team Uganda. They include Moses Ndiema Kipsiro (5,000m, 10,000m), Annet Negesa (800m), Benjamin Kiplagat (3,000m steeplechase), Janet Achola (1,500m), Jane Suuto (Marathon) and Stephen Kiprotich (Marathon). Others are Jacob Araptany (3000m steeplechase), Geoffrey Kusuro (5,000m), Abraham Kiplimo (5,000m), Julius Mutekanga (800m), Thomas Ayeko (10,000m) and Dorcus Inzikuru (3,000m steeplechase).
Swimmers Jamila Lunkuse (Women) and Ganzi Mugula (Men), Weightlifter Charles Ssekyaya and Badminton star Edwin Ekiring complete the team.
