RONALD MUSAGALA ON ATHLETICS JOURNEY.
NAMES: RONALD MUSGALA
RACES:
1500m : 3:30.58 NR
MILE : 3:63.04 NR
By Isaac Hiire ( Rayz Piano Journalist)
When did you start running? I was between 10 and 12 years when I started running at Busilumba primary school in kaliro district 23 kilometers away from town. In primary 5, I went to kaliro town and studied at good hope primary school up to primary 7.
Where did you go to for secondary school? I was within Kaliro district but I went to different schools. I moved from Budindi s.s to kaliro s.s though they were so into football. I played football from primary 5 to senior 4 and then I gave up on it because it didn’t have a future. That’s when I focused on running. I later went to iganga but my father was not happy about it. I went to king of kings where I met Negesa arnet the star.
What inspired you to run? I was inspired when I saw big boys running in primary. I would run along them for fun and stop when I got tired.
What advice do you have for upcoming 1500m runners? Your first weapon to breakthrough in this world is discipline. You can’t achieve anything without it. Be humble and listen to advice from people. But discipline will take you to the highest level.
What was the school training program? Most schools had their own training program. But at my school, every evening after school, the sports teacher would call us and take us through some light workouts before we went home.
Many people think that you are well to do. Can you please share your challenges? There are many challenges facing us runners. You see us running and making it, but it was a dirty journey. We passed through a hot brick tunnel. I almost gave up but at the point of giving up is when I got my break through. It’s a long and very hard journey where giving up is very possible. I almost gave up but I thank God for the friends I trained with. Me, Halima Nakayi and Winnie Nanyondo plus Abu Mayanja had our own experience of fire we went through.
Who was coach sempa to you? We lost a giant and may his soul rest in peace. We miss him as the athletics family. When he died, he left many as orphans. I don’t think anyone can ever replace him. He left many talented people in dilemma.
Did you know the late Nuwagaba? He is the one who even connected me to standard high Zana. He made me pace arnet Negesa. For the first time he took me to a training camp called Amana camp. We never paid him yet we were eating, sleeping and training. He was a good man.
What motivates you every morning? When you’re doing something, it is you to benefit. I go to bed thinking about the future. It makes me hungry to win more when I realize that I have to feed my people. It is now like clockwork for me.
How do you avoid distractions and manage school, running and family? It is very hard I won’t lie you. It’s very hard. Going for training and come back to go to class is challenging because the body gets tired. It calls for a very organized program that balances school and running. The family has to come to an understanding with you. You need to make them understand that it’s your job. It calls for understanding from husbands and wives.
Why do you think that we have few middle distance runners in Uganda? It is very hard for people in Uganda to believe in you. Many people laughed at us and even told us that we had no future. I remember times when I ran and won and the officials were telling me there is no future in this race. This attitude has affected middle distance races. The races are also very hard races. They have a strict training program but there is a lack of coaches and people to believe in you.
Which athlete do you think might replace you? They are many, but who can support them? We might take time to see more middle distance runners. Training without good feeding will just lead to a tired body that won’t respond well.
Which athletes do you look up to? I have a small number of athletes I look up to back in the camp at Kapchorwa. You will see them with time.
How do you want to be remembered? It is only your family that might celebrate you. But here it is very easy to forget you and what you have done.
Where do you train from? I train in Kapchorwa for build up when the season is starting. When it comes to speed work I come back to Nambole because in Kapchorwa is hilly everywhere.
Have you been recognized for your national records? No. it is a very complicated situation that we have to wait and hope for it to happen.
What do you think the Uganda athletics federation needs to change? They have done a good job. Our regime is going away soon. But there is a gap in the area of development of the next generation? If am running today, who will replace me tomorrow? Do we have academies? Is there scouting taking place? That’s what I expect.
What kind of support does an upcoming athletes need? You need to eat, sleep, shoes for training, training attire and a venue for training.
Do you dream of being a coach in future? Yes I do though you can never know what may happen. But I may be since I know what it takes to train.
How do you prepare for a race? There is always a tension that comes and nervousness. Comfort yourself and just do it. Other athletes all feel the same. Say to yourself that you’re a winner. Believe in yourself.
Do you plan move to longer distances? Yes I plan it. This year you may see me go to 5000 or 10000m.
How do you plan for the future? You can’t run forever. Get your little money and make investments so that you have a plan for the future. Don’t eat the money but try to buy land and other assets.
Talk to us about your transition from 2018 to 2019: mind set and setting clear targets of what you want. Rest after training. Do perfect time management. Don’t allow anyone to buy your time. Don’t do anything because anybody is doing it. That’s what I did, and that’s what am doing. Train even if your coach is not around. When my coach is not around is when I work harder than before. I don’t cheat myself.
Do you believe in supplements? I don’t believe in supplements. We have natural supplements in Africa. Just eat the greens and natural fruits. Those are the supplements. Mix greens and young fish(Omena) mangoes, pawpaw’s. You will see great difference in your running. I don’t use any supplements. There are some supplements that can even kill your body. Just stay as simple and natural as possible. Eat well, rest and train. Supplements will make you addicted.
What was your proudest moment? 2013 when I qualified for junior youth competition.
What is your comment on exploitation by foreign managers? I call upon the federation to come in and protect athletes. Help protect athletes to avoid them being fooled. Some athletes are just used and left with no money. When signing contracts, please understand what you’re agreeing to
Who is the best coach you have worked with? Kassaja Rafael. He was there for me even when it was hard. God bless you sir.
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