Uganda Names 25 Athletes for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) has confirmed a 25-member national team that will represent the country at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, marking Uganda's participation in the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil.

The team comprises seven female and 18 male athletes who will compete in seven sporting disciplines: athletics, badminton, road cycling, coastal beach sprint rowing, rugby sevens, swimming and table tennis.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be a historic event for Africa, bringing together young athletes from across the world to compete on a global stage while showcasing the continent's capacity to host major international sporting competitions.

Uganda's delegation will be led by Chef de Mission Lydia Gloria Ssanyu Dhamuzungu, the Assistant General Secretary of the Uganda Olympic Committee, who will oversee the team's participation and welfare throughout the competition.

Dhamuzungu has called on Ugandans to rally behind the young athletes as they prepare to represent the country, emphasising the importance of national unity, discipline and confidence as they compete against their international counterparts. 

“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,” Dhamuzungu said.

She also urged the athletes to believe in their abilities, remain focused and uphold the country's reputation through discipline and respect for their opponents.

“To the athletes: believe in yourselves, work hard, respect your opponents, and represent our country with courage and dignity,” she added.

Athletics team carries Uganda's distance-running tradition

Athletics will be among Uganda's key disciplines, with five middle- and long-distance runners selected to compete in events ranging from the 800 metres to the 3,000 metres, including the 2,000-metre steeplechase.

The athletics team comprises Baskaline Cherotwo, Racheal Chelimo, Keren Chelimo, Michael Kibet and Timothy Cheptoek.

The five athletes, who have been training in Kapchorwa under coach Ziana Chetoyek, will carry Uganda's long-standing tradition of producing competitive distance runners onto the international youth stage.

Their participation will also provide an opportunity to gain valuable international experience as they continue developing their careers in athletics.

Uganda fields athletes in six other disciplines

Beyond athletics, Uganda will have representatives in road cycling, coastal rowing, swimming, badminton, table tennis and rugby sevens, reflecting the country's participation across a diverse range of sports.

In road cycling, Ali Ssali will represent Uganda in the men's road race and individual time trial. He will compete under the guidance of coach Ishaka Bukenya.

Marcel Otim will carry Uganda's hopes in coastal beach sprint rowing, where he is entered in the men's solo event (C1x). He will be coached by Batenga Nakisozi as he prepares for the demanding competition.

Swimming will have four representatives: Mary Peyton Suubi, Marie Mbanga, Mark Arthur Mwase and Peterson Inhensiko. The quartet, under coach Ezra Kalali, will compete in a combined 13 individual events, giving Uganda representation across several swimming competitions.

In badminton, Ramiah Bukenya will compete in the women's singles event under the guidance of coach William Kabindi.

Uganda will also be represented in table tennis by Jemimah Nakawala and Joseph Sebatindira, who will compete in the singles and mixed doubles events under coach Alvin Katumba.

Their participation will give Uganda an opportunity to showcase its emerging talent in racket sports at the international youth competition.

Rugby Sevens team named for men's tournament

Rugby sevens will be another major component of Uganda's participation, with coach Peter Ochol naming an 11-player squad for the men's tournament.

The squad comprises Victor Ampiire, Bonamy Bwambale, Trey Rugamba Gateja, Jeremiah Iragaba, Sanyu Katushabe, Moses Kibeti, Deogracious Muliira, Shafik Okole, Abdulrahman Ongima, Almadi Otema and James Ssebuufu.

The team will seek to demonstrate its skills in the fast-paced format of rugby sevens, which requires speed, fitness, teamwork and tactical discipline.

The selection of the squad adds another dimension to Uganda's representation, with the country set to compete in both individual and team events at the Games.

A platform for Uganda's emerging sporting talent

Uganda's participation in Dakar 2026 provides an important opportunity for its young athletes to gain international exposure, compete against their peers from other countries and develop experience that could benefit their future sporting careers.

The inclusion of seven disciplines also highlights the country's efforts to provide opportunities for young athletes beyond its traditionally established sporting events.

With the delegation led by Dhamuzungu, the team will seek to combine competitive ambition with the Olympic values of respect, friendship and excellence as it represents the Pearl of Africa.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be particularly significant for Uganda and other African nations, as the continent prepares to host an Olympic event for the first time.

For the 25 Ugandan athletes, the competition presents an opportunity to showcase their abilities, gain valuable experience and contribute to the country's presence on the international sporting stage.