In the misty highlands of Sebei, running is not just a sport but a way of life. Young athletes from Bukwo and Kapchorwa districts brave mud, rugged roads, and facilities shortage to pursue sporting greatness.
On a daily basis, over 100 hopefuls grind through intense training on poor feeder roads as they dream of making it to the top from these humble beginnings.
As the countdown to the 2025 TuskerLite Rwenzori marathon begins, the resilience and raw talent from Sebei are once again ready to take center stage.
These highlands of Bukwo and Kapchorwa districts have for years been more than just home to Uganda’s athletics. In this region, athletics is not merely a pastime, it is a culture, a source of hope, and a powerful identity for the youth.
Yet despite the region’s deep well of talent, many athletes face enormous challenges in chasing their dreams.
Abel Chelagant, an emerging star from Bukwo District, is among over 100 athletes expected to compete in the upcoming Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon in Kasese, slated for the 23rd of August.
“We wake up early in the morning and train as a team before each does his extras,” he noted.
These athletes train from feeder roads which are not ideal, according to athletics coach Ben Siwa. “When it rains, these roads become too muddy to train. We’re forced to use tarmac roads that are not suitable for regular training,” noted Siwa, who also revealed that athletes from Bukwo struggle reach the world-class Teryet high altitude center in Kapchorwa due to the long distance.
“From here to Teryet is about 76 kilometers. If you don’t have 30,000 shillings for transport, you simply can’t go there,” hi noted.
Ahead of the international Tusker Lite Rwenzori marathon in Kasese, the organizing team, led by Maren Hald Bjørgum, visited these athletes.
“We are here for a needs assessment trip to see these hard working athletes excel. Ugandan athletes have speed and we want to sell them to the world,” she said before the team left Bukwo to Kapchorwa where a number of household athletes were also undertaking intense routines, banking on altitude and determination.
For many young runners, the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon is a launchpad to international athletics.
