Ugandan Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei is transforming his hometown of Kapchorwa with an ambitious new project — a Shs26 billion luxury hotel that he is personally funding from his athletic career savings.
The project, commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday, marks a major milestone not only for Cheptegei’s post-sport investments but also for tourism and job creation in the Sebei sub-region.
Unlike many large-scale developments backed by government or corporate investors, Cheptegei’s hotel is being entirely financed from his personal earnings as one of the world’s most successful long-distance runners.
“This project is from the savings I have been earning,” Cheptegei explained. “I first bought land in 2017 and kept adding to it gradually. The first phase alone will take about Shs13 billion.”
The Olympic gold medallist said the hotel is his way of giving back to the community that raised him.
Construction is already underway, employing over 100 workers. Once completed, the hotel is expected to create more than 400 permanent jobs for residents in and around Kapchorwa — a significant boost for the local economy.
Cheptegei’s goal is to ensure that the project benefits the region long after his running career ends, providing sustainable livelihoods for families and inspiring youth to think beyond athletics.
Kapchorwa, nestled on the slopes of Mount Elgon, is one of Uganda’s most scenic regions. Cheptegei believes the hotel will help unlock Sebei’s tourism potential by attracting both domestic and international visitors.
“This investment aligns with my vision to promote tourism in Sebei, create jobs for locals, and contribute to national development,” he said.
The facility is expected to feature modern amenities that cater to tourists, athletes, and conference visitors, positioning Kapchorwa as a new hub for adventure and sports tourism.
President Yoweri Museveni, who officially commissioned the project, commended Cheptegei for his patriotism and foresight.
“We are going to support him,” Museveni said. “In principle, we support manufacturers and hoteliers, so we shall support him too. The policy is already there.”
The President praised Cheptegei for choosing to invest in Uganda rather than spend his wealth abroad, describing the hotel as a model for how athletes can use their success to drive local development.
Cheptegei said the project represents his long-term vision of financial sustainability and community empowerment. He credited government support for helping Ugandan athletes succeed on the global stage and vowed to keep investing in initiatives that uplift others.
“We have been able to achieve a lot because of your support, Your Excellency,” he told the President. “My goal is to use what I’ve earned to secure the future of sport in Uganda and inspire the next generation.”
