Uganda will host the 2006 eastern, central and southern Africa cross-country championships scheduled for February 18 in Entebbe, 40 km south of Kampala.

General Secretary of Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) Beatrice Ayikoru was quoted on Friday by local media as saying that "this cross-country is hosted on a rotational basis so Uganda got a chance after achieving a couple of successes on the track."

"We were given the opportunity and we couldn't turn it down because it adds experience to our runners," she said.

Over six nations are expected to participate in the both junior and senior events.

The nations include Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda and defending champions Kenya.

Source: Xinhua