Uganda and Africa’s only representative at the World Powerlifting Alliance championships in Lutsk, Ukraine repaid the trust vested in him by the Head of State with a Gold medal at the weekend championship. Roy Mubiru was financed by President Museveni with $8000 to prepare for the competition despite almost getting less than half of the offer –with other chewed by the mafia in between.
The heavy weight lifter picked Gold in full Powerlifting category that combined squat, bench press and dead lift styles.
Mubiru dominated his Masters Class category of 40-44 years of age in the 125kg raw tested division. Raw tested athletes are athletes that use natural power with no help of boost steroids.
“I can only return glory and honor to God. I went through a lot that I even panicked at the last hour; being the only athlete from Africa at the World Cup,” said Mubiru, who is happy to have fulfilled his pledge before President Museveni as the head of state flagged him off to the world showdown in March.
“My next target is the WPA World Cup International championships due October 12-13 this year in Bremerton, Washington DC. I want to break world record of the championship that only attracts elite performers from the World Cup,” he revealed.
Unlike other lifters, Mubiru traveled to the World Championship without a manager, coach or even a physician but managed to lift Uganda’s flag high. Mubiru also picked silverware at the 32nd Annual CAN-Am International championship in Brattleboro, Vermont, a week before traveling for the 29th world Cup showpiece.
According to Mubiru’s manager Frank Kaheesi, the USA-based athlete will fly back to present the medal to National council of sports (NCS) and probably the President who saw him off to the competition.
