Uganda's top politicians celebrate first ever Paralympic medal

Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni and his main rival Kizza Besigye are celebrating the country’s only representative at the ongoing Paralympic Games.

David Emong won a silver medal in the men’s T46 1500m final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He becomes the first ever Ugandan Paralympic medalist in the history of the Games.

The congratulatory tweets of the two politicians were as follows:

Congratulations David Emong for winning a silver medal in the men’s 1,500m T46 at the Paralympics in Rio, Brazil. pic.twitter.com/7IY9ZDFOcb

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) September 17, 2016

Congratulations David Emong!! Rio2016 Paralympic Silver medalist. First Ugandan Paralympic medal ever! Proud of you. pic.twitter.com/BkinvgGiOT

— Kifefe Kizza-Besigye (@kizzabesigye1) September 17, 2016

The 26-year-old, often competes with able-bodied athletes due to lack of local races for his category, the Daily Monitor reports.

Emong crossed the finish line in four minutes and 62 microseconds (4:00.62). Algerian Nouioua Samir who won the event finished the race in 3:59.46.

His performance was a huge improvement from his display four years ago when he finished fourth at the London Paralympics. Last year, he won silver at the All Africa Games in Congo Brazaville.