By James Bakama and Samson Opus
UGANDA sparkled at the inaugural Africa Youth Games in Rabat, Morocco with a haul of ten medals from her small entry of 11 competitors.

Weight lifter Charles Ssekyaaya was Uganda’s top performer with two gold medals and a silver in the one week games that drew 1010 athletes from 41 countries.

“This is just the start. Expect much bigger achievements from this youngster,” local weight lifting boss Salim Musoke promised.

The team was received at Lugogo yesterday by Uganda Olympic Committee president Rogers Ddungu and NCS general secretary Jasper Aligawesa.

Another lifter Nashibah Nakayiza wound up with three silver.

Yet another Ugandan teenager Ludia Nadunga reminded Africa of her country’s vast table tennis potential.

The Manafwa High School student won bronze in the girls’ singles before teaming with Arnold Mabuka for the mixed doubles bronze.

Swimmer Jamila Lunkuse was Uganda’s other star with two bronze medals. At a press conference at Lugogo, Uganda Table Tennis Association boss Dennis Galabuzi promised even better results.

“These players were selected at short notice, did not have any preparation but put up a good show. Expect better results in future,” promised Galabuzi.

He explained that the Rabat performance was a result of a grassroots development programme. Table tennis is spread out to 60 schools around the country.

Plans are underway to start four regional talent development centers like the one by Mbale Tigers which produced Nadunga and Mabuka.