NPC launches Disability Sports Gala as Road to 2028 Paralympics begins

The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) has officially launched its preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games, with a renewed commitment to elevating Uganda’s performance on the global stage.

The journey began on Tuesday with the opening of the National Annual Disability Sports Gala in Masaka City.

Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Champions,” this year’s edition drew over 500 participants from 17 districts across the country, competing in four categories: community, primary, secondary, and university.

While the gala primarily aims to raise awareness about disability sports in Uganda, it also serves as a vital platform for identifying emerging para-athletic talent—especially in the absence of formal scouting programs.

Patrick Synole, NPC Secretary for Administration, outlined the committee’s long-term vision:

“We are selecting the best athletes from this gala and will take them to Dubai next year for international classification as part of our pathway to the 2028 Paralympics,” Synole said.

The technical team included 2010 Paralympic gold medalist David Emong and national coach Vincent Mutagubya, both tasked with mentoring and evaluating promising athletes.

Emong expressed optimism about Uganda’s prospects, particularly in long-distance events where the country has traditionally excelled.

“The talent is there—especially in the long races—but the athletes need more training and technique to turn that potential into national success,” he noted.

In the university category, Kyambogo University’s Robert Lwanga stole the spotlight by clinching gold in the men’s 5000m race with a time of 18.6 minutes—the fastest of the day. Gulu University’s John Ociru and Desmond Opio followed in second and third place, respectively.

This year’s gala marked a historic milestone with the highest participation to date, featuring 17 sports disciplines. Newly introduced events included blind football, goalball, sitting volleyball, and powerlifting.

Masaka City led the medal tally on day one, securing 19 medals—eight gold, nine silver, and two bronze—followed by Kabale District with 14 and Gulu with 13.

The games were officially opened by Masaka City RCC Abdul Ahmed Washaki, who commended the NPC for empowering persons with disabilities through sport.

“I thank you for keeping the dreams of our people alive. They have accepted who they are and are now living their dreams through sports,” Washaki said.

The gala will conclude on Friday with a medal and trophy presentation ceremony.

Selected Results
Athletics
100m women T12 & T13 category
1. Brenda Nabwire (MUBS) 16.7 seconds 
2.Apia Mavrice (MUBS) 22.4
3.Diana Muwanguzi (Kyambogo) 23.1

5000m T12 & T13 
1. Robert Lwanga (Kyambogo) 18.6
2. John Ocira (Gulu) 19.1
3. Desmond Opio (Gulu)

Blind Football
Kyambogo 1-0 MUBS
Gulu Univ 2-1 Kabale