By Our Reporter
Uganda’s female kickboxer, Patricia Apolot will soon no longer have money worries, at least not for upkeep after Sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi recommended that she be added to the list of athletes on the government payroll.
The life time opportunity comes a fortnight after Apolot defended her World Kickboxing Federation-International title in Hungary having beaten Anita Nagy. Her first time to lift the world title was in June after defeating Serbia’s Ivana Mirkov.
“The stipend is a reward for outstanding athletes and Apolot fits that bill perfectly after retaining her crown. She has consistently demonstrated her ability on the international stage and thus deserves recognition,” Minister Bakkabulindi is quoted on www.monitor.co.ug.
The idea of having athletes on government payroll was initiated by President Museveni back in 2010 after Moses Kipsiro won two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in New Dehli, India in the 5000m and 10,000m categories.
Medalists from continental level competitions are paid Ushs 5M for gold, Ushs 3M Silver and Ushs 1M bronze on a monthly basis.