President Museveni Hails Joshua Cheptegei for Investing in Home District with Hotel Project in Kapchorwa
While touring the facility during his campaign engagements in the Sebei sub-region, President Museveni commended Cheptegei for his prudent investment choices and for setting an example for young Ugandans on how to transform talent and earnings into sustainable wealth.
Kapchorwa, Uganda — November 11, 2025:
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has applauded Uganda’s celebrated athlete Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei for using his global athletic success to inspire development back home through the construction of a modern hotel in Kapchorwa District.
While touring the facility during his campaign engagements in the Sebei sub-region, President Museveni commended Cheptegei for his prudent investment choices and for setting an example for young Ugandans on how to transform talent and earnings into sustainable wealth.
“I congratulate and thank Joshua Cheptegei for not squandering his earnings from his talent and hard work. He is putting up a hotel in Kapchorwa, which I was glad to tour between rallies in the Sebei region,” President Museveni remarked.
The President emphasized that Cheptegei’s initiative aligns perfectly with the government’s message of wealth creation and land-use optimization. He noted that investing in the lowlands rather than the highlands — which are prone to landslides — demonstrates foresight and responsibility.
“This is a good example of how to use land productively while creating jobs and income, away from the highlands that are prone to landslides. It is exactly what I was talking about earlier — using the lowlands for investment and wealth creation,” the President added.
Cheptegei’s hotel, which is currently nearing completion, is expected to boost tourism, hospitality, and local employment in Kapchorwa and the greater Sebei region — an area already famous for producing world-class long-distance runners. The facility will not only serve visiting athletes and tourists but also promote the scenic beauty of Mt. Elgon and its surrounding natural attractions.
Born on September 12, 1996, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei has risen from humble beginnings in Kapchorwa to become one of the most decorated Ugandan athletes in history. He is the world record holder for both the 5,000 metres (12:35.36) and 10,000 metres (26:11.00), achievements that have brought him global recognition and pride to Uganda.
Beyond his track triumphs, Cheptegei has consistently championed community development through the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation, which supports education, sports, and youth empowerment in the Sebei sub-region.
The President’s recognition of Cheptegei comes as a testament to his dual legacy — as both an athlete and a patriotic investor. By channeling his international success into local enterprise, Cheptegei exemplifies the government’s broader message of “emyooga” (wealth creation) and the Parish Development Model (PDM), which emphasize using available resources for socio-economic transformation.
As Uganda continues to celebrate its sporting heroes, President Museveni’s visit to the project underscores the vital link between sports excellence, responsible investment, and national development.
Joshua Cheptegei is a Ugandan long-distance runner, Olympic gold medalist, and multiple world champion. Known for his discipline, humility, and commitment to community, Cheptegei remains an inspiration to many young Ugandans who aspire to rise from modest beginnings to global prominence.
