Uganda moves to integrate dwarfism athletes into national para-sport

Gulu City witnessed a remarkable turnout over the weekend as athletes classified as "little people" from northern Uganda and surrounding districts gathered in large numbers for the second regional trials organised by the Uganda National Paralympic Committee (NPC) at Pece Stadium.

The event drew competitors from Gulu and neighbouring districts including Kitgum, Nwoya, Oyam, and Kiryandongo, marking one of the most vibrant regional gatherings yet as NPC continues widening its talent identification drive ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

Although Uganda has made steady progress on the global para-sport stage, athletes with dwarfism have never previously featured in international competition. NPC now hopes to change that trajectory by integrating them into structured national pathways.

NPC Sports Development Officer Irene Nabisenke expressed satisfaction with the level of performance on display in Gulu compared to previous regional stops, noting clear signs of untapped potential.

"We are looking at specific talents from the little people in this region, and from those who came, we saw athletes with real potential to make it to the national team," Nabisenke said. "These regional trials are our first step in identifying talent before the national disability gala in September, and we are encouraging them to begin structured training immediately."

She added that once identified, athletes will be guided into national programmes that include intensive preparation and further assessment ahead of final selection.

"Little persons are not easy to find, but once identified, they adapt quickly when given the right training and discipline," she noted.

Field events such as discus, shot put, and javelin dominated the competition, reflecting the disciplines where athletes in this category are most active. NPC believes these events offer the clearest pathway to international competitiveness.

The trials come shortly after a historic milestone, where Lino Ayebare became the first Ugandan athlete with dwarfism to be selected for international competition, having travelled to Morocco for classification during the Rabat Grand Prix.

National team coach Vincent Mutagubya, who observed the Gulu trials, praised the newcomers but highlighted key gaps in conditioning and preparation.

"We mainly had field event athletes, and there is potential there," Mutagubya said. "If we invest more in them, they can perform well."

However, he cautioned that fitness levels remain a concern.

"It is clear many of them are not in structured training programmes," he added, noting that classification challenges also affect competitiveness. "Most fall into the T40 class, which places them in a very demanding competitive bracket."

One of the standout performers was 20-year-old Pius Opiyo from Nwoya District, who recorded a throw of 5.30 metres, just three metres shy of the qualification mark. Despite it being his first competitive outing, his performance drew optimism from coaches.

"Considering he had no prior training, he did well. With proper guidance, he has strong potential," Mutagubya said.

The Gulu trials also featured established para-athletes, including Daniel Onega (T47), Brian Rubangakene (T47), and Prisca Aciro, who competed in 100m and 200m sprint events, providing inspiration and pace for emerging athletes. Others such as Fred Amanzuruku (T44) and Steven Otekayot (T47) used the event as preparation for the upcoming classification Grand Prix in Tunis, Tunisia in June.

NPC will conclude the regional qualification series next month in Soroti District, where athletes from eastern Uganda will compete for places in the national pipeline ahead of international assignments.