Uganda Athletics to celebrate 100-years with Akii-Bua Memorial Invitational Meet
David GOMBE
The Uganda Athletics body will celebrate it’s 100 years of existence with the annual Akii-Bua Memorial Invitational Meet on Saturday, 7th June 2025.
The annual Akii-Bua Memorial Invitational Meet will be staged at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
The event will attract athletes from Eritrea, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya.
“Uganda has achieved overwhelming success in athletics, we have the most gold medals at the international stage. So its worth for us to celebrate the 100 years of existence.” John Akii-Bua is a legendary athlete who opened the doors for success in this country. His remarkable achievement at the 1972 Olympics took four decades to match.” Said Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otucet
A total of $50,000 will be distributed among the best performers at the event that will comprise of entertainment as well.
There are 10 events lined up on the day with sprints, medal distance and field activities (long jump, javelin and short put). 100M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 5000M, 400M hurdles will be run for both genders.
International athletes such as Kenya’s Sarah Mora (800M), Gebreham from Eritrea (1500M), South Sudanese Ayub Choul (long jump), Ethiopian Mora (5000M), Kenya’s Dorcus Chekwemoi (5000M), Juma Tyson and Babu Meshaki from Kenya (100M), South Sudan’s Deng (100M), Ethiopian Saidi Agesa (800M) are to be part of the glorious event.
Uganda’s athletes such as Harold Adoli (400M), Tom Dradiga (800M), Musa Isabirye (100M), Sam Kiprotich (1500M), Dan Kibet (5000M), Charles Okello (Long jump), Shida Leni (400M), Halima Nakaayi (800M), Sarah Chelangat (5000M), Josepin Lalam (Javelin), Prisca Anena (Discuss throw), Brian Onenchan (400M hurdles) are to participate in the event.For starters, John Akii-Bua was the first ever Ugandan Olympic champion following his triumph in the 400m Hurdles at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
Uganda now has managed 13 medals in Olympic games history, eight of these including all the five golds coming in athletics.