By Robert Kayindi James
Mr. Universe Ivan Byekwaso has threatened to change his nationality if Uganda cannot fund him.
The 2015 gold medalist at the 67th edition of the global event held at the Zach Topfer theatre in South Lamar, Austin Texas, USA made the statement recently while addressing the media ahead of his eagerly awaited participation in the INBA/PNBA World Championship in the Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness in Budapest, Hungary that is due this month.
“I have not received any support when I need it the most. They only thing I was given was an air ticket to Hungary which was offered to me by the National Council of Sports (NCS),” Byekwaso remarked. “I therefore have no money for transport from the airport, accommodation and feeding among other necessities. I call upon all potential Ugandans to come to my rescue and support me as I represent this country or else I will be forced to change my citizenship to either USA or Australia,” he added.
It should be noted that the 38-year old bodybuilder fell out with his sponsor, Jack Pemba, the proprietor of Pemba Sports Africa, a sports promotion company hence currently has no sponsor.
Byekwaso is preparing for the World Championships slated for 10th-11th June, 2016 (Budapest, Hungary); Mr Universe (Texas, USA); European Championships, (Prague, Czech Republic), World Cup and Natural Olympia (Las Vegas, USA) all in the same year.