President Yoweri Museveni has promised to send the remaining balance of Shs 350 million to Team Uganda that is taking part in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Speaking during the official flag off ceremony at the State House in Entebbe on Saturday, the president said he will make sure that the relevant authorities send the balance to reach the team in Brazil.
Shs 700 million was budgeted for the games where Uganda sent 21 athletes and 18 officials. First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni will also make he first official international trip since she was appointed minister of Education and Sports.
Museveni called upon the athletes to carry the Ugandan flag high during the games. Dominic Otuchet, president Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) said that Museveni promised that the money will be sent to Rio.
Bugema University student Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei who will captain the team this morning as they headed to Entebbe airport said that they are focused for the task ahead.
"I know it will not be easy when we compete against the world's best, but we are prepare," he added.
Chetegei who took part in the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China will compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m races. In action today will be 100m breaststroke swimmer Jamila Lunkuse (at 7.51pm EAT - local time) and boxer Kennedy Katende (at 6.45pm EAT).
2012 London Olympic marathon gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich and the other members of the marathon team Solomon Mutai and 2013 Mumbai marathon champion Jackson Kiprop will travel on August 15.
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