Uganda�s only gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games Stephen Kiprotich received a arousing welcome on top of a promotion to the Assistant Superintendent of Prisons and ($80,000) from President Yoweri Museveni.
The runner, who also got gifts from the Ugandan community in London before he travelled, is also expected to get a winning bonus of over $60,000 from his sponsor Nike.
Kiprotich beat two time World marathon champion Abel Kirui and reigning London Marathon champion Wilson Kipsang, both from Kenya to a gold medal on his first appearance at the London 2012 Olympic Games, winning Uganda their second gold medal after John Aki Bua�s heroic performance in 1972.
It was Uganda�s first medal in the Olympics ever since Davis Kamoga won bronze in the 400m in Atlanta, and the first ever in marathon at the world event, and the excitement that welcomed Kiprotich at Entebbe Airport could attest to that.
The Nike sponsored Prison warden was welcomed by his wife, children and a number of minister led by Education and sports minister Jessica Alupo, before inspecting a gourd honour by the Prison services, just moments after Commissioner for Prisons Johnson Byabaishajja recommended a promotion to Assistant Superintendent of Prison to the born again athlete.
President Museveni, knowing that at times that his pledges take months to mature ordered State House to write a cash cheque of sh200m to be handed over to Kiprotich before he leaves after he was accorded a special welcome at State House.
Companies, who had prior to the Olympics refused to heed to a call to help Ugandan athletes prepare for the Games, where all rushing to share the limelight with the runner, who later headed to National Council of Sports for further celebrate.
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