President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially commissioned a luxurious hotel development spearheaded by Uganda’s most decorated athlete, Joshua Cheptegei, in Kapchorwa District, a project valued at an impressive Shs26 billion.
While addressing guests at the ceremony, President Museveni, who is currently seeking re-election, lauded the Olympic and World champion for investing his global earnings back home.
The Head of State commended Cheptegei’s initiative as a model of patriotism and pledged government support to the monumental venture.
“We are going to support him. We are not allowed to make pledges during elections, but in principle, we have supported other people such as manufacturers and hotel developers — so we shall support him,” President Museveni remarked.
Cheptegei, the multiple world and Olympic medalist, revealed that the ambitious project is being funded entirely from his athletic earnings, emphasizing his desire to create opportunities and inspire his community.
“This project is from the savings I have been earning. I first bought land in 2017 and kept expanding. The first phase alone will cost Shs13 billion,” Cheptegei explained. “Already, over 100 people are employed on-site, and once completed, the hotel will provide more than 400 jobs.”
The development, once finished, is expected to transform the tourism landscape of Sebei sub-region, offering both hospitality and economic opportunities for the locals.
Cheptegei’s sporting career speaks volumes of dedication and excellence. The 27-year-old is a three-time World Champion (10,000m) and two-time Olympic gold medalist (10,000m and 5,000m).
He also holds world records in both distances, the 10,000m at 26:11 and the 5,000m at 12:35.36, cementing his status among the greatest long-distance runners of all time.
