The Uganda Embassy in Copenhagen has congratulated Joshua Cheptegei after winning bronze in the men’s half marathon at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Denmark. Cheptegei finished third in the 21-kilometre race on Sunday in a personal best time of 58 minutes and 26 seconds, earning Uganda a medal at the championships held in Copenhagen.
The Ambassador of Uganda to Denmark and the Nordic and Baltic States, Margaret M. Otteskov, on Monday hosted Cheptegei and members of the Ugandan athletics team at the embassy following his performance. Otteskov commended Cheptegei for his discipline, resilience, determination and continued contribution to raising Uganda’s flag on the international stage.
She also recognised the role of Cheptegei’s coaches and technical team, sponsors and partners, Uganda Athletics, the Ugandan diaspora and the government in supporting the country’s participation in international competitions.
Cheptegei appreciated the ambassador and the embassy for hosting the Ugandan team and called for increased and sustained funding for athletics and sports generally.
He said timely financial and logistical support is critical to enabling Ugandan athletes to prepare adequately and compete effectively at the highest level.
Cheptegei said athletics provides Uganda with an important platform to promote the country internationally through sport.
He said when a Ugandan athlete wins a medal at a major championship, the national anthem is played, the Ugandan flag is raised, and international media attention is drawn to the country.
Cheptegei said this allows Uganda to promote its tourism, investment and international image without relying solely on conventional marketing.
He urged the embassy to continue advocating for greater investment in athletics, particularly in timely logistical support and adequate preparation for athletes.
Responding to Cheptegei’s call, Ambassador Otteskov said the international visibility generated by athletics complements Uganda’s tourism and investment promotion efforts.
She said Cheptegei’s performance in Copenhagen has helped draw attention to Uganda’s natural attractions, culture, people and investment opportunities.
“Cheptegei’s latest achievement in Copenhagen is particularly significant because it comes on Danish soil, before the eyes of the international athletics community and the Ugandan diaspora in Denmark and across the Nordic region. Your performance once again demonstrates Uganda’s ability to compete and excel on the global stage,” Otteskov said.
The ambassador encouraged young Ugandans to draw inspiration from Cheptegei’s journey, saying discipline, sacrifice, hard work and faith can enable them to compete successfully at the highest level.
Otteskov also reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to celebrating and supporting Ugandan athletes whose achievements contribute to the country’s international image. “May you continue to run with purpose, inspire generations and raise the Ugandan flag ever higher,” she said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
