By Damali Mukhaye
Uganda’s long-distance running icon, Joshua Cheptegei, today paid a memorable visit to the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC), where he was warmly received by the corporation’s Board Chairman, Mr Joakim Buwembo, alongside the Managing Director, Prof Sudi Nangoli.
During his visit, Cheptegei was taken on a comprehensive tour of the corporation’s premises, gaining firsthand insight into its operations, including the printing sections and production processes that drive the institution’s work.
He later held separate interactions with the Entebbe UPPC Football Club and staff, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and engagement.
Drawing from his journey as one of the world’s top athletes, Cheptegei emphasized that success is never instant but is built over time through discipline and consistent effort.
He reminded staff and players that every individual is born with a unique talent, urging them to reject the belief that they lack ability.
“Everybody is born with a God-given talent. The challenge is identifying it and making good use of it,” Cheptegei emphasized.
He shared how he once doubted himself during his early years in athletics, recalling a secondary school competition where he finished in third place while being lapped by his competitors in a 10,000-metre race, an experience that nearly made him give up.
“Sports is about consistency. It is about doing the small things day by day, week by week, year by year. Before you know it, you become a champion,” he explained.
Joshua Cheptegei is a Ugandan long-distance runner and Olympic champion, widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest athletes. He rose to global prominence through his exceptional performances in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, winning gold and silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Cheptegei has also set world records and claimed multiple World Athletics titles, cementing his legacy on the international stage.
Known for his discipline, consistency, and resilience, he has become a role model for young people, inspiring many to pursue excellence through hard work, patience, and belief in their abilities.
The Power of Patience and Hard Work
Cheptegei stressed that his Olympic success did not happen overnight. It took him nearly eight years of continuous effort from his early training days to becoming a global champion.
He encouraged UPPC staff to embrace patience, noting that the journey to success often involves discomfort, fatigue and moments of doubt.
“Success requires doing things that are uncomfortable. If waking up early is hard, ask yourself, are you comfortable with failure?” he noted.
Using a vivid analogy, he compared human potential to crude oil, which in its raw state may seem useless but becomes valuable after refining.
“Anything in its raw form may not look good. But through process, pressure and persistence, it becomes something valuable,” he said.
Mental Strength and Self-Belief
One of the most powerful aspects of Cheptegei’s message focused on the mind. He described how, just weeks before the Olympics, he was ranked ninth in a major race and faced criticism from media and doubters who believed he had no chance of winning.
Instead of giving in to negativity, he chose to rebuild his confidence.
“I had to talk to my mind. I reminded myself of what I had achieved before and told myself, ‘You can do it,’” he said.
That shift in mindset proved decisive, as Cheptegei went on to win both gold and silver medals at the Olympics, making history for Uganda.
“If you lose confidence before you even start, you have already lost,” he warned.
Teamwork and Collective Strength
Addressing the UPPC Football Club, Cheptegei emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity. He noted that collective effort often outweighs individual brilliance, encouraging players to believe in each other and work together toward a common goal.
“When we combine our efforts, we become stronger and more resilient,” he said.
He urged the team to maintain a fighting spirit and never give up, reminding them that every victory marks the beginning of a new challenge.
UPPC Board Chair and MD commend Cheptegei
Prof. Nangoli commended Cheptegei for sparing time to speak to the corporation’s staff, urging them to draw inspiration from the national icon.
“We are not trying to turn you into runners. We want you to change your mindset that even if someone comes from a developing country like Uganda, they can still rise to the top, just like Cheptegei,” he said.
Mr. Buwembo also praised Cheptegei’s consistency, noting that while Uganda has produced many champions in the past, few have maintained excellence over time.
“For Cheptegei, he has remained at the top and continues to demonstrate consistency,” Buwembo said.
Guidance to Ugandan Youth
In a separate interview, Cheptegei extended his message to Uganda’s youth, urging them to remain focused and avoid distractions such as drug abuse and negative influences.
He cautioned against shortcuts to success, emphasizing the importance of humble beginnings and gradual growth.
“Start small and be patient. Over time, your investment in effort will stand out,” he said.
He also challenged the common perception among young people that success is limited to political careers, pointing instead to global innovators and entrepreneurs who built wealth by solving real-world problems.
“Focus on what you can create and offer. That is what builds lasting success,” he added.