It is not everyday that the head of state sends a message to individuals, whether publicly or privately. However, one thing is for sure, to attract the attention of President Yoweri Museveni, make Uganda proud in any activity and you might just receive a massage from the old man with a hat as he is fondly called by Ugandans.
For Ugandan long distance runner Joshua Cheptegei, it was not the first time but he did it again on Saturday after he emerged winner during the IAAF World Cross Country Championships 2019 in Aarhus Denmark.
Cheptegei, also last year’s Commonwealth double gold medalist dashed clear of teammate Jacob Kiplimo and defending champion Geoffrey Kamworor to take the world title by 25 metres in 31:40 over the 10,240m course.
This was enough to earn them public praise by President Museveni.
“Congratulations to @joshuacheptege1 upon winning the Gold medal at the 2019 World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, Denmark today. I also congratulate Jacob Kiplimo who came second in the same race. Uganda is proud of you,” Mr Museveni tweeted.
Other male Ugandan athletes in the mix included Thomas Ayeko who finished seventh and Joseph Ayeko (tenth). Uganda wrapped up the teams’ race as well to compound a very memorable outing for the team from the Pearl of Africa.