Aisha Namataka targets African Championships, Commonwealth Stage

Aisha Namataka is a rising female weightlifter with ambitions of writing her name among the women who have made their country proud.

With her priorities set, Namataka says 2026 is a year she hopes will bring even greater achievements.

She has mapped out a demanding competition calendar, starting with the National Open Weightlifting Championships scheduled for March 1, 2026, at Ultimate Fitness Gym in Kampala, Bugoloobi.

“If I perform well at that championship, I will qualify for the African Weightlifting Championships in May in Ismailia, Egypt. My target is to top my category. I train hard and I know I will put up a good fight that day,” Namataka said.

Competing in the 84kg category, Namataka adds that the African Championships are her only route to qualifying for the Commonwealth Games due in July in Glasgow, Scotland.

Despite her ambition, financial constraints remain a major obstacle. Training at Kasubi Physique Weightlifting Club, Namataka says commuting daily from Jinja to Kampala is costly and exhausting.

“I train from Monday to Friday, but transport alone is a challenge. For someone who doesn’t earn much, spending over Shs20,000 every day is too much. I wish I could find someone to sponsor my transport. It would really lighten my burden,” she said.

Her coach, Khasim Nsubuga, believes Namataka’s determination will be her strongest weapon this season.

“Coming all the way from Jinja to train in Kampala shows how committed she is. That mindset is essential for success. My prayer is that she stays focused and achieves her goals this year,” Nsubugasaid.

Namataka’s situation highlights a wider structural problem in Ugandan weightlifting. The fact that she must travel long distances to access proper training facilities, underlines the need for the Uganda Weightlifting Federation to strengthen regional gyms and coaching structures.

If Namataka had all she needed to train in Jinja, there would be no reason for her to relocate to Kampala. Empowering regional centers would reduce such burdens and help more athletes reach their potential.