Nangonzi and Joshua Magaya lead Uganda’s breakthrough at Solidarity Games

Team Uganda is celebrating a mix of historic firsts and early medal success at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, with the nation's young Table Tennis squad claiming the spotlight through sheer grit and determination.

The Ugandan Table Tennis players, who recently secured the nation’s first World Team Championship qualification, are proving their talent on the individual stage.

In the Women's category, rising star Parvin Judith Nangonzi delivered a decisive 4-0 victory over Tajikistan’s Amiri Iskandarzoda Sumayal. 

This commanding performance secured her a spot in the prestigious Round of 16.

In the Men’s Singles, Joshua Magaya showed great composure, fighting through a seven-set thriller to beat Afghan opponent Mohammadian Hossain 4-3 and advance to the Round of 32.

While young Joseph Francis Sebatindira lost his Singles match 1-4 to Azerbaijan’s Onur Guluzade, the collective performance highlights the bright future and aggressive development of Ugandan table tennis.

Beyond the table, Uganda has already secured its first medals in Swimming and Boxing. 

The first Gold Medal for the nation was delivered by swimmer Gloria Anna Muzito in the Women’s 50m Freestyle. 

Muzito’s blistering speed set a new personal best and a National Record as she claimed the top spot on the podium.

Boxer Alfred Ojok contributed a crucial Bronze Medal in the Men's 80kg Light Heavyweight category, showcasing the resilience and power of the Ugandan boxing team.

Uganda is currently 13 on the medal table standings tied with Jordan with two medals each..

With Athletics and other boxing events to come, Uganda can hope for more medals.