With the Tokyo2020 Olympics fast-approaching, Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has passed a Shs2.8bn budget for 2019 to enable the country prepare sufficiently for the challenges of the Far East.

During the body’s general assembly, the UAF executive led by president Dominic Otuchet informed delegates of the events for 2019, whose proper execution with aid Uganda’s medal bids at the quadrennial Games in Japan.

“We have the All Africa Games and the World Athletics Championships this year which are very important in the lead up to the Olympics,” Otuchet told the assembly.

Before that, Uganda will field in all races, junior, senior (men and women) and relay, in the World Cross Country Championships next month in Denmark.

National Council of Sports (NCS) has already instituted a steering committee led by Mr David Katende, the assistant general secretary (technical), to ensure adequate preparations for Tokyo2020.

The committee was unveiled by the state minister for sports Charles Bakkabulindi last December. In addition, government has already signed a partnership with Tateshina Town to host Ugandan athletes as part of preparations for the Olympics.

UAF are working towards building capacity with the purchase of a Shs90m electronic timer that will aid athletes’ performances.

“All we previously had was a stadium electronic timer. We want to have an up to date timing even outside the stadia thus the need to purchase the equipment. This will help more of our runners compete better,” Beatrice Ayikoru, the UAF general secretary, said.