Uganda earns praise for strong performance at ISF Games in Bahrain

Ugandan athletes have been commended for their strong performance at the International Schools Sports Federation (ISF) games that concluded on Wednesday in Manama, Bahrain.

The athletes ensured Uganda remained a medal-winning country at the games, securing 3 medals: 2 silver and 1 bronze.

Sam Odong, the Physical Education and Sports (PES) assistant commissioner who traveled with Team Uganda, praised the team’s efforts. “I am grateful for the athletes’ performance generally because it has been commendable both by team and individual performances. Many were playing here for the first time, and as a government, we are happy they managed to win medals. Our thanks go to the schools that sent athletes to this international competition,” Odong said.

USSSA president Justus Mugisha, who also led the Uganda delegation in Bahrain, hailed the performance and urged them to look ahead to future competitions. “I am proud of your achievements and these experiences will have a lasting impact on individuals, schools, USSSA, and Uganda's sports sector. Looking ahead, we must begin preparations for next year’s ISF U15 Gymnasiade in Belgrade, Serbia, the games teachers’ conference and tournament in France, and the ISF Schools Futsal in Brazil,” Mugisha stated.

The week-long games, which attracted 70 countries and 5,500 athletes competing in 26 disciplines, saw Uganda finish 34th overall and 5th in Africa, with 2 silver and 1 bronze medals.

This was the first time Uganda was represented by six schools and a girls’ athletics team at the Gymnasiade U18 games, having previously participated in the 2021 U15 games in Belgrade, Serbia, and the 2022 U18 games in Normandy, France, with select teams.

Uganda’s medals came from athletics, with the girls’ team winning two silvers: Brenda Chekwemoi’s second-place finish in the 800m and the team of Fillister Chekwemoi, Mary Awat, and Peace Mabazi running a time of 5:12.81 behind China’s 5:08.86 in the long medley relay.

Additionally, the Kibuli SS tennis pair of Adrian Zziwa and Said Kato won a rare bronze, beating India 4-1, 4-1 for third place in the men’s doubles.

There were other notable performances: Seroma Christian High School girls’ basketball 3x3 team reached the round of 16 and finished 12th overall out of 38 teams, while the boys’ team finished 19th. In badminton, Kibuli’s Bartham Kaweesa and Denis Mukasa reached the quarterfinals, while individuals Arafat Kibirige and Olivia Betty reached the round of 16. Team Uganda was also named the best team chant.

In the U15 event in Serbia, Uganda collected 9 medals (6 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze) to finish 1st in Africa and 7th overall, while in the France U18 Gymnasiade, Uganda finished 2nd in Africa and 7th overall, with 2 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals.