Kiplangat receives King's Baton as Uganda begins Commonwealth Games countdown

Commonwealth marathon champion Victor Kiplangat officially received the King’s Baton in Kapchorwa District, marking the start of Uganda’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The King’s Baton Relay, a symbolic precursor to the Games, was launched last week by the Commonwealth Games organizing committee. It is set to traverse the country, creating awareness and building momentum ahead of the summer competition.

Kiplangat, who made history by winning Uganda’s first-ever Commonwealth Games marathon gold medal in Birmingham 2022 with a time of 2:10:55, received the baton on behalf of the track and field athletes from the Sabiny sub-region. These athletes are currently undergoing intensive training at the high-altitude camp in Teryet.

Uganda’s national athletics coach and Uganda Athletics Federation Vice President, Benjamin Njia, outlined the series of events and activities designed to prepare the athletes for the upcoming Games.

“The Baton is a major source of motivation for the athletes. It’s going to play an instrumental role in our preparations as we aim to surpass our previous medal tally,” Njia said.

Kiplangat later carried the baton to Sebei College Tegeres, in tribute to the school’s renowned alumni, including Olympic and Commonwealth medalists Moses Kipsiro and Stephen Kiprotich. At the school, the baton was received by headteacher Johnson Lino, who encouraged students to take photos with it as inspiration to emulate the nation’s sporting legends.

Uganda finished 16th overall at the 2022 Birmingham Games—its 16th appearance—bringing home five medals: three gold and two bronze. With early preparations now underway, the country is hoping to improve that performance in Glasgow 2026, beginning with the momentum sparked by the King’s Baton Relay.