We Shall Clear Arrears For Medal Winners – Museveni

 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said the government will make sure it clears the arrears on monthly stipends that medal winning sportsmen and women have won over the year.

“We shall make sure those who have arrears are cleared and I will continue to pay gold medal winners 5 million shillings, silver 3 million shilling and bronze one million shillings,” Museveni said on Sunday afternoon while hosting Team Uganda that participated in the just ended 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Several athletes have been complaining that they have not been receiving their monthly stipends promised by the President.

Uganda won three gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals to finish in 15th position at the Games that climaxed last Sunday.

Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei won two gold medals in the 5,000m  and 10,000m, while Stella Chesang bagged the women's 10,000m gold medal and Mercyline Chelangat bagged a bronze in the same race. Boxer Juma Miiro picked a bronze medal in the 46-49kg weight category.

“I once again congratulate the entire team that represented us at the Commonwealth Games and those that won medals,” said Museveni at the function that took place at the Statehouse in Entebbe.

Museveni said that it is a lie for some people to say that the government is harvesting in sports and yet they are not investing in it. “ This talent has been able to flourish in peaceful times. Insecurity affects sports, you can't be a sports man in an unstable country,” he explained. He also said he will build a houses for the Commonwealth Games double gold medalist Cheptegei and Chesang who also picked gold.

Uganda sent a team of 69 athletes who participated in track and field events, Netball, Rugby, Table Tennis, Badminton, Squash, Swimming, Boxing, Weightlifting, Shooting and Cycling.