Keren Chelimo
David GOMBE
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) has confirmed that Uganda will be represented by 25 young athletes at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal – the first Olympic event ever to be held on African soil.
Team Uganda comprises 7 women and 18 men who will compete across seven disciplines: Athletics, Badminton, Cycling Road, Rowing Coastal Beach Sprints, Rugby Sevens, Swimming and Table Tennis.
Athletics, Uganda’s traditional stronghold, will bring five middle- and long-distance runners continuing the country’s proud track legacy.
The delegation will be led by Chef de Mission Lydia Gloria Ssanyu Dhamuzungu, the Assistant General Secretary of the UOC.
“As our young athletes prepare to represent the Pearl of Africa at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, let us support, encourage and celebrate them. The YOG are more than a competition; they are a celebration of the talent, determination, unity and dreams of our people on the world stage. To the athletes: believe in yourselves, work hard, respect your opponents, and represent our country with courage and dignity,” said Dhamuzungu.
Breakdown of Team Uganda:
Athletics:
Baskaline Cherotwo, Racheal Chelimo, Keren Chelimo, Michael Kibet, and Timothy Cheptoek will race from the 800m to the 3000m, including the 2000m Steeplechase. The quintet, training in Kapchorwa, is coached by Ziana Chetoyek.
Cycling:
Ali Ssali, coached by Ishaka Bukenya, will contest the men’s road race and individual time trial.
Rowing:
Marcel Otim, coached by Batenga Nakisozi, will compete in the Men’s Solo Coastal (C1x) Beach Sprints.
Swimming:
Coach Ezra Kalali will take charge of the swimming team that has Mary Peyton Suubi, Marie Mbanga, Mark Arthur Mwase, and Peterson Inhensiko. The four will contest a combined 13 individual events.
Badminton:
Ramiah Bukenya, coached by William Kabindi, will compete in the women’s badminton singles.
Table Tennis:
Coach Alvin Katumba will lead Jemimah Nakawala and Joseph Sebatindira in the singles and mixed doubles events.
Rugby Sevens:
Coach Peter Ochol has named an 11-man squad for the men’s tournament: Victor Ampiire, Bonamy Bwambale, Trey Rugamba Gateja, Jeremiah Iragaba, Sanyu Katushabe, Moses Kibeti, Deogracious Muliira, Shafik Okole, Abdulrahman Ongima, Almadi Otema, and James Ssebuufu.
