President William Ruto playfully questioned whether some athletes who compete for Uganda are truly Ugandans, even as he praised Kenya’s dominance in athletics.
Ruto said Kenya continues to stand out as a global sporting powerhouse, and he urged Uganda to keep investing in athletics.
The president added that the government is building 32 stadiums nationwide to improve sports infrastructure and help develop young talent.
“I was here when we were launching the foundation of a stadium. We are building 32 stadiums across the country because our youths and the nation are known as a sporting country,” Ruto said.
He noted that Uganda has steadily advanced in athletics, then made a light-hearted comment about the nationality of some of its leading performers.
“Our brothers from Uganda have been trying athletics step by step, but they are not fully there yet. We keep encouraging them to continue. Sometimes I ask myself this: when people win the Olympics or other athletics events and they are said to be from Uganda, are they really from Uganda, or are they originally Kenyans who are there? Do they still count as our brothers from that side?” he said.
Ruto also pointed to the strong relationship between the two neighboring countries.
“But we are one people and one community, the East African Community.”
He spoke on Sunday during the consecration and enthronement of the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Katakwa, the Ven. Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru, in Amagoro, Teso North, Busia County.
After congratulating the new bishop, Ruto wished him well in his ministry and pointed to 2 Timothy 4:2, urging him to stay firm in his calling.
“Congratulations to the Ven. Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru on this sacred calling. As you begin this important ministry, may you always follow the guidance of 2 Timothy 4:2: ‘Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.’ May God grant you wisdom, humility, and strength as you shepherd His people with faithfulness and compassion,” he said.
Ekuru takes over from Rt. Reverend John Okude, who retired on February 28, 2026, after reaching the mandatory retirement age.
