EDITOR
Rukungiri District emerged victorious in the Kigezi Regional Athletics Competition held today at Rukungiri Main Stadium, outshining the only other participating district, Kanungu, in a contest that saw low turnout from the rest of the region.
Despite the absence of four districts from the competition—out of the six that make up the Kigezi sub-region—Rukungiri showcased its dominance in events such as shot put, long jump, and javelin. The poor attendance was attributed to financial constraints and a lack of athletics activity at the school and district levels in some areas.
Sports officials from Kanungu and Rukungiri districts expressed concern over the neglect of athletics in favor of sports like football and volleyball, calling on schools to embrace track and field sports for their numerous benefits, including physical fitness, access to scholarships, and national exposure.
Rukungiri District Sports Head Dan Ahimbisibwe Barimire highlighted the shift in the competition system as a possible reason for low participation. He noted that unlike the past when schools progressed directly from district to national level, the new format introduces a regional stage, which some schools may not have prepared for.
Despite these setbacks, Kigezi region has successfully selected 28 student athletes who will represent the area at the national athletics championships scheduled to take place in Kasese from July 10th to 13th, 2025. The regional committee has pledged full support to ensure the team is well-prepared and facilitated.
