Joshua Cheptegei (R) of Uganda celebrates with compatriot Jacob Kiplimo for winning the Men's 5000 metres final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan on August 06, 2021. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images via CFP)
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday announced a UGX 5 million (USD 1,416.33) monthly payment for the country's Olympic gold medalists for their victories at Tokyo 2020.
The president made the announcement following a meeting with the country's Olympic athletes, days after the completion of the games.
The country's silver medalist will be paid UGX 3 million (SD 849.80) monthly while the bronze medalist will receive UGX 1 (283.27) million monthly.
Museveni also gifted the athletes cars for their stellar performances for the country.
Uganda's performance in Tokyo was the second best by an African country after neighboring Kenya.
The country's athletes took home 2 gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal.
The biggest performer was Joshua Cheptegei, who took gold in the Men's 5000m and silver in the Men's 10,000m.
Peruth Chemutai won gold in the Women's 3000m Steeplechase, while Jacob Kiplimo earned a bronze for his third-place finish in the Men's 10,000m.
Overall, Uganda was ranked 36th in the Games, which were delayed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was Uganda's best performance at the Olympics since its first participation in the Melbourne 1956 Games.