Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Akampa being congraculated by his coach Gordon Ahimbisibwe
Search
Kampala
While every individual effort had been made by promising long-distance runner Seth Akampa to secure the logistical support needed to facilitate his golden opportunity to travel to Russia for an international athletics course, all attempts had come to nothing — until now.
It was not until the intervention of Beatrice Ayikoru and the Uganda Athletics (UA) that the athlete, whose hopes had all but faded, was finally rescued.
As we write this, Seth Akampa is aboard a FlyDubai Boeing 737 Max travelling to Sochi, Russia, where he will begin a career-defining nine-month Master of Sports Administration programme at the Russian International Olympic University.
After being introduced to the course by selfless UA Administrator and Safeguarding Officer Ayebare Patricia and immediately recommended by the UA, Akampa embarked on soliciting financial support to make the opportunity a reality.
His hopes faded day by day, however, as the first people he approached declined to assist, citing their own financial constraints at the time.
Akampa cerebrates after the race
Akampa needed to urgently raise no less than seven million Uganda shillings to cover his return air ticket, visa, insurance, and upkeep money — even though tuition, accommodation, and feeding would all be covered by the Russian International Olympic University.
Akampa, a law graduate of Bishop Stuart University, had sought support from the university administration but had not received a response by the time this story went to press.
After exhausting all other avenues, rescue came through Beatrice Ayikoru, who secured Akampa his travel tickets and an additional USD 1,000 (approximately Shs3.65 million) to fund his career mission. UA also contributed to making the trip possible.
"I cannot thank her enough — Ayikoru, and all the other individuals like Musherure Apollo and Ayebare. They have really helped me a lot. When I approached her, she assured me I would not fail to attain this course, and she has worked hard securing support from organisations and UA," Akampa said before departing from Entebbe International Airport on Saturday.
The Master of Sports Administration is a course offered to graduates, internationally acclaimed athletes, coaches, officers of sports organisations, and university sports ambassadors from leading universities worldwide. Akampa is honoured to have been recognised with the offer.
"I have earned this scholarship in recognition of my background as an athlete and my affiliation with a leading private university. I am happy that my background as an athlete, and my university Bishop Stuart, are being recognised at this level," Akampa said.
Few Ugandans have attained this distinction. Among them are Patricia Ayebare, UA Senior Administrator; George Wagogo, President of AUS; and Emmanuel Aupal, FASU Student Ambassador. Akampa now joins that distinguished group.
Upon completing the course, Akampa will gain advanced knowledge and practical skills in sports management, administration, leadership, governance, finance, marketing, event management, and strategic planning — a foundation that promises to transform both his personal career and his contribution to Ugandan sport.
