First Lady Congratulates Athlete Kiplimo on new World Record

The Minister of Education and Sports, First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni has congratulated the golden medalist Jacob Kiplimo for setting a new world record at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon in Portugal last Sunday.

Jacob Kiplimo on Sunday sensationally finished the marathon in a record time of 57:31 at the World Athletics Label road race in Portugal to become the fastest man in history over the 13.1-mile race. Kiplimo broke Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie record of 57:32 he set on 6th December 2020 at the half marathon held during the Valencia Marathon.

The First Lady has applauded the young long distance runner for bringing pride and joy to the country.

“On behalf of the Education and Sports Family and on my own behalf, I congratulate our 21-year old Jacob Kiplimo for his exceptional performance at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon and for scooping the World Half Marathon Champion world record,” Janet said in a statement.

“We applaud you for once again raising Uganda’s flag high on the World scene and bringing honour, pride and joy to our country. We will continue to thank God for His favour and all the victories in the Education and Sports Sector, even amidst the COVID-19 challenges. For without Him, we can do nothing.”

Janet also congratulated all the sportspersons in the sports fraternity for exhibiting discipline and hard work while exploiting their talents.

“In the same vein, we congratulate all Ugandans, Athletes and Sportspersons on this victory which marks yet another milestone on Uganda’s Sports scene. We are forever grateful to God for our young people who have continually upheld Uganda's name and positive image on the global scene,” she said.

“We are very proud of you, our Sportsmen and Sportswomen. Please keep disciplined and always trust in the Lord, from whom all blessings flow.”

Early this month, the Uganda National Netball Team, She Cranes were crowned Champions of the African Pent series 2021 in Windhoek, Namibia. As a result of this sounding victory, Parliament on Wednesday paid tribute to the She Cranes for their outstanding performance.

During the debate, the Minister for State for Sports, Hon Hamson Obua called on legislators to support the sports sector with more funding.

“The budget is before this House and if the sports sector is given more money, we can do better. While we had little funds, the teams have made us proud; best in East Africa, sixth in the world. What would they do if we have more funds in sports?” he asked.

He added that, “hard times do not create heroes but it is during the hard time that the hero within us is created’. “Heroes in the sports sector are going through this phase. We have submitted a budget that will total to Shs96 billion. Let us rally behind them so that our sports men and women continue to make us proud.”

Speaker Jacob Oulanyah who chaired the House said Uganda needs commitment to see this through. “It is only by the Grace of God that we shall accomplish. We are missing our own commitment, so let us inspire ourselves to do better for this sector to grow. Let us act,” Oulanyah said.