The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has assembled a team of 24 athletes to represent the country at the 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships on 30 March in Belgrade, Serbia.

To optimise their training, the team is camping at the Trinity Biblical Institute in Kapchorwa. Abdallah Muhammad, the UAF Publicity Secretary believes that early training will enable the athletes to maintain peak physical condition. 

"We want our athletes to train effectively without any distractions from their families. Training in the camp environment allows increased concentration, which is essential for our athletes to defend the titles we have won in past years," said Muhammad.

The team selection was based on the athletes' performance at the 2024 National Cross Country Championships held on February 10 in Tororo. The top five athletes in both the senior and junior races automatically earned slots on the World Athletics Cross Country Championships team.

Muhammad emphasised that while the team selection was merit-based, adjustments might be made depending on performance during the camp. "Injuries are a concern during training, and we may need to make replacements, though we hope for the continued good health of our athletes," he added.

Senior men's defending champion, Jacob Kiplimo, aims to retain his gold in the 10km event, while Joshua Cheptegei seeks to improve upon his previous bronze.

To ensure effective results, the team is under the guidance of three coaches: Benjamin Njia, Grace Chesang, and Francis Demayi. Additionally, physiotherapist Denis Ssali is tasked with ensuring the team remains injury-free.

At the previous championships, both the men's and women's senior teams secured bronze medals, finishing third with a total of 37 and 41 points, respectively. Uganda claimed four medals, including one gold and three bronze, securing a third-place finish behind Ethiopia and Kenya, who dominated the podium with 10 medals.

Senior Women: Rachael Zena Chebet, Joy Cheptoyek  , Loise  Chekwemoi  , Sarah Chelangat and Annet Chelangat Chemengich.

Senior Men: Jacob Kiplimo, Joshua Cheptegei , Dan Kibet  , Hosea Kiplangat  and Martin Kiprotich Magyengo.

Junior Women: Keziah Chebet, Nowell Cheruto  ,Isala Chebet  ,Vicky Chekwemoi and Charity Cherop.

Junior Men: Dolphine Chelimo, Hosea Chemutai, Silas Rotich, Harbert Kibet and Titus Musau .

2Km Women: Brenda Chekwemoi and Linda Chebet.

2Km Men: Hosea Kiprop and Sam Kiprotich.