Uganda confirms 25 young athletes for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
The athletics team includes Baskaline Cherotwo, Racheal Chelimo, Keren Chelimo, Michael Kibet, and Timothy Cheptoek, who will compete in events from the 800m to 3000m, including the 2000m steeplechase.
Chef de Mission Lydia Gloria Ssanyu Dhamuzungu, the Assistant General Secretary of the UOC will lead the team to the youth Olympics. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Uganda will send 25 athletes to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, taking place from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
Uganda will participate in the first Olympic event held in Africa, fielding seven women across seven disciplines: athletics, Badminton, road cycling, coastal beach rowing sprints, rugby sevens, swimming, and table tennis.
Five middle- and long-distance runners will represent Uganda in athletics, continuing the nation’s strong track tradition. Chef de Mission Lydia Gloria Ssanyu Dhamuzungu, Assistant General Secretary of the UOC, will lead the delegation.
“As our young athletes prepare to represent the Pearl of Africa at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, let us support, encourage, and celebrate them. The YOG are more than a competition; they celebrate the talent, determination, unity, and dreams of our people on the world stage. To the athletes: believe in yourselves, work hard, respect your opponents, and represent our country with courage and dignity,” said Dhamuzungu.
The athletics team includes Baskaline Cherotwo, Racheal Chelimo, Keren Chelimo, Michael Kibet, and Timothy Cheptoek, who will compete in events from the 800m to 3000m, including the 2000m steeplechase.
Ziana Chetoyek coaches them in Kapchorwa. Cyclist Ali Ssali, coached by Ishaka Bukenya, will compete in the men's road race and individual time trial. Rower Marcel Otim, coached by Batenga Nakisozi, will participate in the Men's Solo Coastal (C1x) Beach Sprints.
Coach Ezra Kalali leads the swimming team of Mary Peyton Suubi, Marie Mbanga, Mark Arthur Mwase, and Peterson Inhensiko, who will compete in 13 individual events. Ramiah Bukenya, coached by William Kabindi, will compete in women's badminton singles.
Coach Alvin Katumba will guide Jemimah Nakawala and Joseph Sebatindira in table tennis singles and mixed doubles. Rugby Sevens coach Peter Ochol has named an 11-man squad for the men’s tournament: Victor Ampiire, Bonamy Bwambale, Trey Rugamba Gateja, Jeremiah Iragaba, Sanyu Katushabe, Moses Kibeti, Deogracious Muliira, Shafik Okole, Abdulrahman Ongima, Almadi Otema, and James Ssebuufu.