It is impossible to discuss the history of Uganda’s athletics without mentioning the name, John Akii-Bua.

Born on December 3, 1949, Akii-Bua made history as a Ugandan hurdler and the country’s first-ever Olympic champion. Initially competing as a high hurdler in the 110m, his potential was recognized by British coach Malcolm Arnold, who later guided him toward the 400m hurdles.

A defining moment in his career came at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where Akii-Bua not only won gold but also shattered the world record, clocking an impressive time of 47.82 seconds. 

This achievement made him the first man to run the 400-meter hurdles in under 48 seconds. His record-breaking performance stood unbeaten for over a decade. 

Akii-Bua became Uganda’s first Olympic champion. 

In recognition of his remarkable achievement and for bringing pride to Uganda, then-President Idi Amin gifted him a brand new Peugeot car.

However, in shock to many Ugandans on the internet, the peugeot car is rotting away in Bukoto, Kampala.

The pictures of the car, now in a state of decay, covered in rust and dust, were shared by one social media user, Eve Zalwango.

“So this is John Akii-Bua’s Peugeot rewarded to him by President Idi Amin for his gold medal win. It is somewhere in Bukoto rotting away. I love things that tell stories, and one as powerful as this. It should be in a museum,” Zalwango posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The post sparked debate over how Uganda preserves its historical treasures. Many questioned why such a significant piece of the nation’s history was not preserved in a museum.

“This car was a gift of the Amin Government to Uganda’s sporting legend. Uganda Museum: these are the timeless antics and stories you ought to be actively looking out for. They not only immortalize John Aki Bua’s Olympics foray and victory. They tell time and Uganda’s history,” said one Jimmy Kiberu.

Another social media user, Christopher Buni, posted, “Tell the Ministry of Tourism, we are willing to restore this car to stock factory condition in under 6 months.”

The momento could be refurbished and archived not for Uganda’s next generations but also tourists.

by ChimpReports