Controversy has erupted in Kapchorwa District following the reported renaming of the Kiprotich High Altitude Training Centre to Teryet High Altitude Training Centre.
It is alleged that the decision was taken without the consent or consulting Olympic gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich, after whom the facility was originally named.
The training centre, located in Teryet Ward in Kapchorwa Municipality, was named in honor of Kiprotich’s historic achievement at the 2012 London Olympic Games, where he won Uganda’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics in the 42-kilometre marathon.
However, the facility’s name was recently changed, a development that has surprised athletes, residents, and sports administrators.
Several local runners who train at the centre say they were not informed in advance and only learned of the change after seeing official documents and references bearing the new name.
Stephen Kiprotich says he was neither consulted nor formally notified about the decision.
Speaking to URN, the Olympic and World Champion described the process as unfair, questioning why facilities named after other national heroes, such as John Akii-Bua, have never been altered.
Kiprotich further warned that the government risks harming tourism through what he described as wrong branding, noting that many visitors are drawn to the area because of his legacy rather than the geographical name.
He has asked the government to formally explain why the name was changed and to account for the process under which the decision was made.
Community leaders in Kapchorwa have also questioned the decision-making process, arguing that renaming a public facility of national significance without stakeholder consultation undermines transparency and disrespects the legacy of a national hero.
Bush Chepkurui, a cultural elder in the area, says Sebei cultural values discourage withdrawing an honour once it has been given, warning that such actions are culturally unacceptable unless an alternative recognition is provided.
He adds that Teryet is simply a place name and cannot be equated to the national contribution made by the marathon icon.
George Mwenege, a resident of Teryet, says Stephen Kiprotich put Kapchorwa and Uganda on the world map, adding that facilities named after such icons should not be altered without wide consultations involving the athlete, the community, and sports authorities.
Sports analysts warn that such actions could discourage current and future athletes, noting that recognition through public infrastructure naming plays an important role in motivating sportsmen and women.
Isaac Kachembe, a former athlete and now an athletics coach, notes that the issue goes beyond a name.
He says it is about honoring contribution, preserving history, and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Dr Justin Yapsoyekwo, the Chairperson of the Board of Governors of Teryet High Altitude Training Centre, says the decision to change the name was taken by the Ministry of Education and Sports together with the National Council of Sports.
Yapsoyekwo says the authorities acted after some athletes complained that using Kiprotich’s name was creating divisions among athletes, arguing that several other athletes had also represented Uganda successfully on the international stage.
She says the intention was to create a more inclusive identity for the training centre based on its geographical location.
“The decision was taken after the concern was raised by a few elite athletes, so we agreed to use the name of the location,” Said Yapsoyekwo.
According to her, the name Teryet was therefore adopted after consideration of the concerns raised by athletes and the relevant sports authorities.
However, Eveline Chebet Kubarika, the former Kapchorwa District Chairperson, says the district council was never notified and that no council resolution was passed to approve the renaming of the facility.
“The council was not informed, and there was nothing put as a resolution,” she said.
As debate continues, residents and athletes are calling for clarity, transparency, and a review of the decision. Some are urging authorities to reinstate the original name or engage all stakeholders in an open dialogue.
Sam Murai, a sports enthusiast in Kapchorwa, alleges that individuals behind the renaming may have personal interests, a move he says is demoralizing athletes and undermining sports development in the region.
The controversy has reignited a broader national discussion on how Uganda recognizes and preserves the legacy of its sporting heroes, and the need for clear guidelines governing the naming and renaming of public facilities.
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