The Hash Master Wilson Asiimwe (left) and Absa Bank's Robinah Kamuntu (right) pose with Brian Ategeka (2nd right) as Bakaima Real Estates Managing Director Karim Kawesa hands a land title to Brian Ategeka (2nd right) at Absa Bank Headquarters. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

What started as a hobby for Brian Ategeka, as he participated in the Kabaka's Birthday Run three years ago, could soon turn into a career undertaking after he won a land title from the 2025 Absa KH3-7 Hills Run in March.

After receiving his land title from Bakaima Real Estates Managing Director Karim Kawesa, Ategeka is more determined than ever to make his mark in upcoming races and carve out a name for himself in Ugandan athletics.

“I thank Absa for giving me this opportunity of flying out to compete with some of the best runners on the continent. I’m prepared and I think with God’s will I can put on great show and go on to make a name for myself in the country because I’m going to take it as a serious race,” Ategeka said.

“My aim is to be a prominent runner in the country although I’m just still new on the scene. But I'm now also a landlord and that is even better," 

The brick layer from Kiteezi believes he can compete up to the international level. “When I learnt that there was a big prize (land title) I worked had to ensure I was in shape and worked for it. I also want to prove that runners from the central region can also compete with the best from Kapchorwa. He has previously competed in the Kabaka Birthday Run in which he has emerged the best thrice from the 21km race.

“The 10km race is not my race since I’m a marathoner but I have been making about 33-35 minutes over the distance; but I’m aiming to cut that down to a sub-30 if my body responds well in South Africa,”

He started running about three years ago but he believes he can compete with the best and is only waiting for the right time to hit the big stage.

“I’m just waiting for a chance to compete in certified marathon events to make it because when I saw the time athletes made in the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan, I feel like I could have made it also. Another experienced recreational runner Collins Cherotich who has done several regional marathons including the city-to-city Marathon in Johannesburg and the Comrades in South Africa is also hoping to finish among the top runners.

“This is going to be the fourth time I run in South Africa I hope to do 33 minutes in the Joburg 10km run. Whenever I run is South Africa, the times are always better compared to when I run from home so, I’m anxious to put my legs down for the 10k and see how I can perform. “Whereas I’m a recreational runner I happen to have the speed and the mettle to push,” Cherotich, who has competed in several other local and regional runs stated.

Three other runners Evas Nasasira, Phillip Kiptoo, and Annet Chesang are also on the team for the Joburg race which takes place on South Africa’s National Heritage Day, on September 24.

The five earned their spots by finishing as top runners in the annual Absa Kampala Hash Harrier Seven Hills Run. This event helps raise money to support underprivileged girls' education, and the trip to South Africa is their reward for outstanding effort.