Ugandans want Entebbe Express named after three-time World champion Joshua Cheptegei

Joshua Cheptegei has continued to etch his name in history as one of the most illustrious long-distance runners ever and undoubtedly the finest sportsman ever produced by Uganda.

Clocking an impressive 27:51.42 at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Cheptegei secured his third consecutive gold medal in the 10,000-meter race.

This triumph followed his victories in Doha, Qatar, in 2019 and Oregon in 2021.

However, these accolades merely scratch the surface of Cheptegei's greatness.

He also boasts a gold and silver (10,000 meters) from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, along with two Commonwealth gold medals (5,000 and 10,000 meters) and twin golds in the World Cross-country Championship (Australia 2019).

His achievements include clinching gold at the African Junior Championships, World Junior Championships, and more.

At the age of 26, Cheptegei's accomplishments have been extraordinary, and his trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.

Indeed, his exceptional feats warrant significant recognition, as underscored by the emotional response after his recent heroics.

Prominent journalist Raymond Mujuni proposed that the esteemed Entebbe Express Highway be christened after Cheptegei, which resonated with many.

Numerous responses endorsed the suggestion and called for the government to consider it seriously.

Yet, amidst the consensus, some urged that the country prioritize repaying the loan secured for the highway's construction before considering the renaming. Diverse opinions emerged, with some dissenting and others advocating that Cheptegei deserves a tribute even grander than this.

Cheptegei's resounding victory in Budapest has propelled him to stand alongside Mo Farah from Great Britain, who secured world titles in Moscow, Beijing, and London in 2013, 2015, and 2017, respectively.

Meanwhile, Cheptegei is one title away from Ethiopian legends Kenenisa Bekele and Haile Gabreselassie, tied with four world titles.

His journey continues, and Uganda and the world eagerly watch his remarkable ascent.