Olympic 10,000m champion and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei has openly declared his support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s re-election bid for the 2026–2031 term.
Cheptegei, one of Uganda’s most decorated athletes, made the endorsement during President Museveni’s campaign trail in the Sebei Sub-region, where he addressed a massive crowd in his native language.
“NRM oyee! President Museveni oyee!” the champion shouted as the crowd cheered. He praised the NRM government for maintaining peace and transforming the Sebei region, once affected by insecurity.
“We have peace in our area now no insurgencies like in the past. There’s development with electricity connections, good tarmacked roads, and people can do business freely,” Cheptegei said.
The celebrated long-distance runner, who remains a national role model for discipline and hard work, also lauded the government for investing in sports infrastructure and talent development.
He cited the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa a flagship facility for athletes as a testament to President Museveni’s commitment to nurturing Uganda’s sporting excellence.
Other major sports projects under the NRM government include the ongoing construction of Hoima International Stadium, Akii Bua Stadium in Lira, and the redevelopment of Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
Cheptegei, who has used his global success to inspire economic self-reliance among the Sebei youth, called on his people to protect the peace and opportunities ushered in by the current leadership.
President Museveni, who wrapped up his Sebei Sub-region tour with rallies in Kween and Kapchorwa districts, will next take his “Protecting the Gains” campaign to the Bukedi region.
The President’s message has consistently focused on peace, security, development, wealth creation, and jobs — key pillars of his manifesto for the 2026–2031 term. Uganda is set to hold its general elections in January 2026.