ENTEBBE, Uganda | Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), arrived in Uganda on Tuesday for an official two-day visit.
“I am very happy to finally be in Uganda. The country continues to produce champions, and it’s great to be here,” Bach stated to the press upon his arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
He was welcomed by Uganda’s State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) President Donald Rukare, and Paris Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, among others.
During his visit, Bach emphasized the importance of quality training facilities for athletes as they prepare for major competitions like the Olympics. He noted Uganda’s advantageous mountainous terrain, which has contributed to the success of athletes like Cheptegei. “Not all countries have the advantages that Uganda offers, and some have different strengths in athlete training,” he remarked.
Bach also highlighted the IOC’s commitment to supporting member countries through the Olympic Solidarity Programme, which has expanded to $650 million. “The Uganda Olympic Committee is effectively utilizing this program to benefit its athletes,” he added.
William Frederick Blick, an IOC member from Uganda, expressed excitement about Bach's visit, stating, “This visit is long overdue, but we are glad it has finally happened and brings many positives.”
Cheptegei, who recently won the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, shared his honor in welcoming Bach. “As a country, we are very pleased to have him here to understand some of the challenges we face,” he noted.
Bach’s visit to Uganda is part of a broader tour of African nations, which also includes Senegal, South Africa, Lesotho, and Rwanda.
As a former foil fencer, Bach is notably the first Olympic gold medalist to hold the position of IOC president.
