Para-lifter Nigo targets government payroll for facilitation

Flag Bearer. Para-powerlifter Muhammad Nigo flashing his continental medal. BY ABDUL-NASSER SSEMUGABI

What you need to know:

  • Problem is many athletes are being frustrated by this scheme.
  • To some the money doesn’t come in time and in whole amounts, to some it doesn’t come at all.

KAMPALA. When para-powerlifter Muhammad Nigo won a medal at the African Powerlifting event in Algeria, and qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, he thought it was time for his fortunes to change, for the better.

But except that brief moment of fame: riding from Entebbe Airport, his broad chest and neck carrying his bronze medal, his voluminous biceps spread atop an open-roofed vehicle and hoisting the Ugandan flag, in the company of a few Paralympic followers, that little attention diminished as he retreated to his residence in Lugazi, Buikwe district.
Nearly two months since his historic podium finish, Nigo still trains in his makeshift gym—Nigo Powerflex. He cannot afford commuting every day to Kampala, where his coach Charles Lukwago trains.

Worried
Nigo witnessed the stiffness of the competition beyond the Ugandan borders and he greatly worries about what it takes: “Powerlifting is a very expensive sport, you have to eat well, use the right equipment and for a long time,” he said. “But I don’t have the money to buy the standard food supplements, and I still use the makeshift equipment.”
Addressing the aspiring Paralympians who had gathered for the Paralympic gala at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara, Friday evening, Nigo’s speech was full of zeal, passion and belief. He, however, quickly warned of the sacrifice. “It’s not easy to make it to the top or win a medal as a Paralympian. You must work almost three times the other athlete.”

Wages plea
Nigo pleads: “I wish government puts me on the payroll like other athletes who have won medals on the international stage.” As a presidential initiative, athletes like Nigo are entitled to Shs1m per month for bronze. Gold medallists get Shs5m and silver medallists Shs3m.
“That money can somehow help me in facilitating my preparation for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.”
Problem is many athletes are being frustrated by this scheme. To some the money doesn’t come in time and in whole amounts, to some it doesn’t come at all.