By URN
Several promising athletes were left stranded at the Golf Course grounds in Mable City after failing to register for the 2025 National Cross Country Championships via the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) digital portal. Despite travelling long distances to compete, dozens were denied access because their names did not appear in the online registration system.
Many blamed late registration, poor guidance from managers, and limited familiarity with the portal. Dominic Otuchet, UAF President, confirmed that several talented athletes missed out due to non-registration. He explained that the online system, introduced under World Athletics guidelines, is intended to prevent age cheating and other malpractices.
Otuchet urged all athletes yet to register to do so immediately to avoid missing future competitions and national team selection. He added that maintaining an accurate athlete database promotes transparency and strengthens trust between the federation and athletes.
A junior athlete, who requested anonymity, accused some officials of offering little support to first-time portal users. “We tried approaching some officials, but they were not giving us listening ears. They kept blaming us for failing to use the online registration system,” he told URN.
Another runner said harsh communication from officials discourages young talents. “They say we must follow procedures, yet some of us don’t know how the portal works. I personally don’t know how to use it. Let UAF be fair,” she said. Siya Satya, a parent who travelled with his child, said registration information was unclear. “Although they advertised the event, they did not clearly highlight who should register and how. It demoralises parents and athletes. UAF needs clear guidelines on competition requirements, not just publicity,” he said.
Championship Results
In the senior men’s race, Uganda’s Dan Kibet won in 29:41, breaking away at the 8-kilometre mark. Kenneth Cherop finished second in 29:56, with Deo Satya third in 30:10. Kibet said his focus now shifts to the global stage. “I am happy I have won and qualified. The next step is preparing for the world event where I aim to secure a medal,” he said.
In the senior women’s race, Joy Cheptoyek claimed victory in 32:24. Rispa Cherop of Prisons Athletics Club finished second in 32:47, while Emily Chebet of UPDF Athletics Club came third in 33:05. Cheptoyek credited weeks of intense preparation for her performance. “I have been training for this event with the aim of making the team to represent Uganda in Florida, USA,” she said.
In the junior men’s 8-kilometre race, Abraham Cherotich of Arua Athletics Club won, followed by Jeremiah Kwemoi and Solomon Andiama of Kipsiro Athletics. In the junior women’s race, Brentalin Yeko of the Joshua Cheptegei Foundation Athletics Club took first place, followed by Felista Chekwemoi and Nancy Chekwurui.
Benjamin Njia, Uganda’s National Head Coach, praised the selected athletes, describing the squad as a reflection of excellence and consistency ahead of international competitions. “The team is well selected based on the epitome of performance,” he said, adding that the athletes will enter a month-long residential training camp to intensify preparations. This year’s championships served as the final qualification event for Uganda’s team to the 2026 World Cross Country Championships, scheduled for Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
