Niyoyita targets improved performance at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Uganda weightlifter Davis Niyoyita is relishing another opportunity to compete on one of the sport's biggest stages after securing qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The 60kg lifter will be making his second appearance at the Games, having made his debut at the 2022 edition in Birmingham, England. Four years later, Niyoyita believes he is a more experienced athlete and is determined to improve on his previous performance.

Niyoyita earned his ticket to Glasgow after finishing fourth at the African Commonwealth weightlifting qualifiers held in Egypt last month.

He registered a total lift of 230kg, a performance that also placed him seventh on the Commonwealth rankings in the men's 60kg category.

"Currently, I am training at Kisugu Unified Gym. My focus is on improving my power and endurance because the competition will be tougher. I want to do better than I did in Birmingham," Niyoyita said.

With just a month before the Games, the lifter is already deep into preparations as he aims to challenge some of the best athletes from across the world.

National team coach Khasim Nsubuga welcomed Niyoyita's qualification, describing it as an important boost for Uganda's weightlifting ambitions ahead of the Games.

"We are very glad that Niyoyita has qualified. It is good news for the team and for the country," Nsubuga said.

The coach revealed that Uganda could still increase its representation in the sport, with another lifter, Dan Tumukunde, awaiting confirmation of qualification through the Commonwealth rankings.

"We are waiting to see if Dan Tumukunde can also qualify by ranking. Our target is simple; to perform better than we did in Birmingham. We are optimistic that it is achievable if our athletes continue preparing well," he added.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the Commonwealth.