Thomas Bach ends three day visit with a promise for modern international Olympic multi purpose facility to Uganda

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach ended his three day visit to Uganda and has this morning headed to Kenya.

The 1976 Olympic gold medalist in Fencing touched down in Uganda on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024.

Thomas Bach was received by three of Uganda’s Olympians Joshua Cheptegei, Winnie Nanyondo and Halima Nakaayi as well as the IOC member William Fredrick Blick.

Uganda Olympic Committee president Dr Donald Rukare, National Council of Sports (NCS) chairman Ambrose Tashobya, general secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel and other dignitaries were also among the group.

During his stay in Uganda, Bach had a guided tour at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) where he had an interface with Mountain Gorillas, giraffes, elephants and the White Rhinos.

He also planted a unique tree species called Warburgia ugandensis. (Mukuzannume) that is a highly medicinal plant before he left UWEC.

Bach was hosted to a cocktail at Speke Resort Munyonyo by the Athletes’ commission where former and current Olympians were invited for a friendly interface before dinner was served.

In his second day, he had a meeting with Prime Minister Rt Hon. Robinah Nabbanja before he visited young players under the Game Connect project at the YES Center in Nsambya.

Later in the evening, Bach and his visitors were treated to a send-off dinner at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel where the Government Chief whip Hon. Hamson Obua was chief guest.

While at State House in Entebbe, Bach promised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni a timely offer in place for a modern international Olympic multi purpose facility on condition, Uganda secures land for its construction.

“The International Olympic Committee is committed to construct an Olympic Center and a swimming pool for Uganda if land is provided before December 2024,” Bach remarked.

President Museveni vowed to help in the acquisition of the required land so that the offer comes to pass in the shortest time period.

“I will quickly assist in the necessary land to put up these facilities as promised by the International Olympic Committee,” said President Museveni.

The visiting delegation completed their three-day visit to Uganda on Thursday, 24th October 2024 and flew to Kenya.

Much of the content in this article is attributed to David Isabirye of Kawowo Sports