Uganda fields 19 juniors for continental athletics showpiece

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Uganda will field a strong contingent at the U18 and U20 Confederation of African Athletics Championships, scheduled for July 16–20 in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

The team, which departs the country on July 14, 2025, comprises eight male and 11 female athletes, accompanied by seven officials.

Uganda Athletics president Dominic Otucet emphasised the federation’s long-term vision as he announced the squad.

“We are not just going to hunt for medals in Nigeria, but cementing the future of Uganda athletics by following our five-year strategic plan,” Otucet said.

“We are fielding 19 junior athletes in the championship because they are the future of our teams, and we look forward to winning more medals,” he added.

Otucet explained that taking a larger team aligns with the strategy to prepare athletes who will eventually succeed stars like Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo.

Among the standout athletes is Mary Awat, a Gombe Secondary School sprinter who won gold in the 400m at the East Africa Athletics Championship in Zanzibar.

At the same event, Isella Chebet clinched gold in the 3000m, while Hosea Chemutai topped the podium in the 5000m.

The men’s team includes Samuel Cherop Simba (10,000m), David Otim (long jump), Hosea Chemutai and Victor Cherotich (5000m), Dan Kipyeko (3000m), Jacob Sande (800m/1500m), and Earnest Wananda (400m).

The women’s team comprises Felister Chekwemoi (1500m), Charity Chrop, and Risper Cherop (5000m); Mary Awat (200m/400m); Kemigisha Kirabo (100m/200m); Bentlin Yeko and Keziah Chelimo (3000m/5000m); Isella Chebet, Keren Chelimo, Nancy Chepkwurui (3000m); and Brenda Chekwemoi (800m).

Officials include Dominic Otucet (team manager), Sam Adrapi, Ziana Cheptoyek, Issa Philemon and Quinto Oding (coaches), with Beatrice Ayikoru heading the delegation.