Heroic welcome awaits gold medallist Kiprotich

Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK Joan Rwabyomere (R) and her family share a priceless picture moment with Kiprotich (L). COURTESY PHOTO

What you need to know:

Olympics. Kiprotich will be escorted to State House this morning by Team Uganda captain Ganzi Mugula and Chef de Mission Dennis Galabuzi.

Since Sunday afternoon it has been Kiprotich and it will be Kiprotich for the rest of Uganda’s history. The man, Stephen Kiprotich, did not rest during his 42.195km marathon in London as he won Uganda’s only second Olympics gold medal in 40 years on Sunday.

Neither did the 23-year-old son of Kapchorwa rest on Monday after joining the late John Akii-Bua as the only men to step onto the podium for an Olympic gold.
He spent the better part of Monday in the London areas of Forest Gate, Seven Sisters and Woodgreen fusing with fans, plus dedicating some of his priceless time to US cable channel CNN for an interview.

The schedule today is unlikely to change much. Kiprotich, who ate up the 42.195km in 2.08.01 to gold, will again be the centre of attention when Team Uganda returns from the London 2012 Games this morning.

According to the program released by government, the team arrives at 7.30am today before they are hosted to breakfast at State House Entebbe.
“He (Kiprotich) will be received by relevant ministers and other government officials,” reads a statement sined by Mary Karooro Okurut, the Information and National Guidance Minister.

“Thereafter, Kiprotich will be booked in one of the hotels in Entebbe to relax and freshen up. At 8am, he will proceed to State House Entebbe and will be received by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni.”

The statement added: “He (President) will officially welcome and congratulate him upon the momentous achievement he has attained for his country and thereafter, a breakfast will be hosted at State House Entebbe in his honour.”

State Minister for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi is, meanwhile, urging the public to give the team a hero’s welcome when they touch down at Entebbe airport.
“As government we are working together with his parents and people of Kapchorwa District to receive him in a heroic way,” said Bakkabulindi.

“All sports lovers around the country should be part of this unforgettable moment.”
After the State House program, there is no clearly set out agenda for the rest of the day from the athletics fraternity but depending on the number of fans present, a procession to Kampala is expected.

In ending Uganda’s 40-year wait for an Olympic gold, Kiprotich, a prison warden at Luzira, joined other Olympic medallists Akii-Bua (RIP), Davis Kamoga (bronze), plus boxers John “The Beast” Mugabi (silver), Leo Rwabogo (silver & bronze) and Eridadi Mukwanga (silver).