By KT Reporter
West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo) and local governments have launched a program to revive athletics in the West Nile sub-region, targeting young athletes under 20 from all 13 districts, including Arua City. Trials were held over the weekend at Inzikuru Stadium, Barifa.
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, WENRECo General Manager Eng. Kenneth Kigumba said the initiative aims to identify and nurture junior athletes, connect them to sponsorship opportunities, and strengthen the region’s sports sector.
Each district presented 10 participants, selected by District and City Sports Officers, for trials. Successful athletes will progress to further stages and have opportunities to compete nationally under the junior category.
Arua City Sports Officer Lika Muktar emphasized the need to restore West Nile’s athletics legacy, noting the region previously produced stars like Dorcus Inzikuru, the inaugural world champion in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.
Athlete Margaret Aza urged the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) to prioritize hosting competitions in West Nile, giving local athletes a platform to showcase their talents.
Brian Alema, a former Mvara Secondary School athlete now at Ndejje University, commended WENRECo and stakeholders for supporting athletics and encouraged youth to participate actively to gain sponsorship and advance their careers.
WENRECo plans to integrate the initiative into its annual sports program in collaboration with district and city sports offices, aiming for a consistent pipeline of junior athletes for national competitions.
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