NPC Uganda steps up preparations for Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics

The National Paralympic Committee of Uganda (NPC) has intensified early preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, unveiling a series of activities aimed at sharpening the country’s para-athletes.

The build-up officially begins this Friday with Uganda’s participation in the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in the United Arab Emirates. NPC has dispatched an 11-member delegation to Dubai, comprising nine athletes and two officials.

Leading the team is 17-year-old javelin thrower Anna Harriet Anzoa (T46), who also serves as captain. She is joined by Aciro Prisca (100m, 200m, 400m – T47), Opio Daniel (1500m, 5000m – T12), Ilalo Monica (1500m, 400m, javelin – T12), and Onega Daniel Rwothomiyo (100m, 400m – T47).

The rest of the squad includes Jimmy Innocent (100m, 400m – T11), Rubangakene Brian (100m, 400m – T47), and Ocira Richard (1500m, 5000m – T54), with Jagalo Joshua travelling as guide runner for Innocent. The delegation is headed by NPC secretariat official Irene Nabisenke.

For most of the athletes, the Dubai Grand Prix will mark their first appearance on the international stage, with the added objective of securing international classification as required by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Anzoa, Innocent, Rwothomiyo, Opio, and Rubangakene will all be making their international debuts, while the remaining athletes will undergo re-evaluation of their classifications.

NPC Secretary for Administration Patrick Synole underscored the importance of early exposure and classification. “Most of these athletes are not yet internationally classified, so the trip is meant to help them compete and also attain the required classification,” Synole explained.

He added that the committee is deliberately investing in youth as part of a long-term rebuilding strategy. “We have taken a young team to Dubai, and this is part of our development process as we prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games,” he said.

Classification activities will run from February 6 to 9, followed by competition from February 10 to 13. The event will also serve as a qualification pathway for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games later this year, as well as the World Para Athletics Championships.