Kapchorwa — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned a new hotel owned by Uganda’s celebrated long-distance runner, Joshua Cheptegei, in Kapchorwa District.
Cheptegei, who has brought Uganda international glory through his record-breaking performances and Olympic medals, said the investment is part of his commitment to contribute to national development and create opportunities for fellow Ugandans.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni congratulated Cheptegei for making a wise and patriotic decision to invest his earnings back home rather than squandering them.
“We are going to support him. We are not allowed to make pledges during elections, but in principle, we have been supporting other people, like manufacturers and hoteliers, so we shall support him. The policy is already there,” the President said.
Cheptegei told the President that he chose to build the hotel in his home district to boost local tourism, create employment, and support Uganda’s broader development goals.
“Already, we have over 100 people working on this project since February this year,” he said. “Once complete, the hotel will create more than 400 job opportunities.”
The athlete revealed that the project, estimated to cost UGX 26 billion, is being financed entirely from his personal savings accumulated over years of competition.
“Your Excellency, I’m your student and I think I’m getting it fairly right,” Cheptegei said. “This project is from the savings I have been earning. I first bought land in 2017 and added on to it gradually. The first phase alone will take UGX 13 billion.”
He also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his continued support of athletes, noting that the government’s encouragement and investment in sports have played a major role in their success.“We have been able to achieve a lot because of your support,” he added.