The government’s  arm responsible for all sports discplines in Uganda, the National Council of Sports (NCS) has confirmed receipt of UGx5.3b from the government of Uganda in preparation for the fourth coming Tokyo-Japan Olympics 2021.

Speaking of the money, Dr.Patrick Bernard Ogwel, the secretary general for the council said, Money includes that given to different federations to prepare the athletes ahead of the Olympics among other things.

“Government has realized UGx5.3b which will take charge of preparation for team Uganda for some of the remaining qualifications for the month of June, training expenses totalling to 827M, actual participation in the tournament, 2.6b which includes procurements, allowances, Air tickets and others.” Ogwel noted.

Uganda’s contingent of 53 people will travel in five batches with the first having already departed over the last weekend.

“We had one swimmer, three  boxers and one weight lifter in the squad and preparations will be in a one month period in a pre-gained city got by the government,” added Ogwel.

The next batch is expected to arrive in Tokyo on 20th July a few days to the events’ kick off ceremony and will be led by Hamson Dennis Obua, the State Minister for Sports and the fourth will depart on 23rd July.

The last and fifth departure of athletes will be led by World Champion and record holder Joshua Cheptegei will leave on 2nd July.

On top of being the biggest team ever, the country has high hopes in the team that has three Champions that include Joshua Cheptegei, Kiplimo and Halima Nakaayi.

“We are not thinking that we’re going as participants, we’re going as competitors, with high hopes of bringing the precidence  medals in the Tokyo 2021 Medals back home,” Ogwel added.

Uganda will participate in three disciplines which include Athletics, swimming and weight lifting.