IOC president Bach hails UOC for leading by example

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has hailed Africa’s growing role in the Olympic movement during a cocktail event with athletes and Olympians at Speke Resort Munyonyo, shortly after arriving in the country for a courtesy visit on Tuesday.

“We are on a tour through Africa to acknowledge Africa’s growing role in the Olympic movement. We see Africa becoming aware of its strength, richness, talents, and human resources. In the Olympic movement, we want to not only acknowledge this but also encourage it,” Bach said.

UOC president Donald Rukare alongside UOC staff receives a certificate from IOC president Thomas Bach. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“That is why we have chosen Uganda as one of our stages during this trip. The Olympic movement in Uganda is a great example of this growing strength and confidence.”

He praised Ugandan athletes for their strong showing during the Paris Olympics and for bringing pride to the country.

“The major message of the Paris Olympic Games was the powerful demonstration of the unifying power of sport. Despite all the geopolitical tensions, we had all the athletes from the 206 national Olympic committees in Paris, competing peacefully and living together under one roof in the Olympic village. We can only be grateful to these athletes for living this Olympic spirit of respecting the rules and respecting each other despite all the differences we might have in our lives for any reason."

IOC president Thomas Bach (left) poses with former Olympians and sportsmen. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Therefore, Uganda and the Uganda Olympic Committee can be very proud not only for the success of their team and gender parity but for contributing to history. For this, I want to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart,” Bach stated.

He said the IOC will continue to support nations through the Olympic solidarity programs, emphasizing that in the Olympic movement, there is no global north or south. The IOC works tirelessly to close the gap and level the playing field between athletes from privileged and less privileged countries. “We are proud that we could contribute to your success in this way. But this is not a donation, it's our obligation to make the world a better place through sports.”

Bach praised the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) for their excellent work in supporting athletes and their engagement in efforts to achieve the United Nations Development Goals. He lauded Uganda's handling of the refugee crisis, highlighting the country’s welcoming culture for more than 1.6 million refugees, through the Game Connect Project. "The Game Connect project is a tremendous success, acknowledged not only in the Olympic movement but also by the UNHCR as a benchmark for other projects globally. So, thank you for this great cooperation,” Bach noted.

IOC president Thomas Bach (left) hands over a pin to table tennis youngster Ssebatindira. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“You’re also giving a great example by working closely with your government. We need government cooperation when it comes to education and inclusiveness, and in this respect, the UOC is setting standards not only for the region but for the wider continent, with a commitment to good governance,” Bach added.

On a personal note, he hailed IOC member William Blick for being a great ambassador for the country through sports. “Let us continue to live together in this Olympic spirit according to our Olympic motto: ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together,’” said Bach, who won an Olympic gold medal in fencing in 1976.

As recognition of the UOC's great work, Bach awarded the team a trophy from the IOC president reflecting the Olympic values of peace, sustainability, and respect. He also handed them a certificate of recognition by the IOC since their inaugural participation in the Olympic Games in 1956.

State Sports Minister Peter Ogwang promised that Uganda would have an even bigger representation at the 2028 Olympics in the US. He thanked the IOC for the Olympic scholarships that have benefited many Ugandan athletes and called for continued support, including through the Game Connect project.

UOC president Donald Rukare thanked the IOC for choosing Uganda as one of the five countries visited and urged his team to return to Uganda to enjoy the sights and sounds informally.

All of Uganda’s former Olympians present were presented with 'OLY-PINS' as special recognition for their participation in past Olympics. The event was attended by heads of different federations, former athletes, diplomats, sponsors' representatives, and representatives from the UNHCR.