Uganda sends five students to Continental Olympism Forum in Lesotho

Uganda has sent a five-member student team and two officials to represent the country at the continental Olympism debate, dubbed the Sharing Olympism Forum, scheduled for Maseru, Lesotho, from August 13–16.

The forum is designed for Africa's youth to exchange ideas and strategies for advancing Olympism across the continent.

This year's theme is "Ubuntu," with discussions focusing on youth engagement, inclusivity, and the role of sport in promoting peace and development.

The five students are Peace Nyafwono of Nabisunsa Girls School, Claire Nyapendi of Seroma High Christian School, Trevor Mutegekekyi of Baptist High School, Melvin Tayebwa of Kabojja International School, and Jemimah Atwine of Muntuyera High School Kitunga.

They will compete against teams from South Africa, Lesotho, Kenya, and Botswana in various Olympic values activities, including poetry, essay writing, quizzes, debate, and public speaking.

The team was flagged off by Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) president Donald Rukare, who also serves as Commonwealth Games Federation president.

They travelled with UOC officials Moreen Awor, who will serve as coach and safeguarding personnel, and Joseph Oluka, representing the UOC.

"UOC does not only focus on promoting Olympic Games and competitions, but also on activities that promote Olympism, which is an extension of friendship, excellence, and respect, the core values of the Olympic movement as intended by its founder, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator and historian," Rukare said.

He added that the initiative is also intended to create relationships, build networks, and promote friendship among young people across the continent.

"Sport and the Olympics are underpinned by values that bring people, communities, and nations together. Our young people will therefore have an opportunity to meet and interact with fellow youths from other countries," he said.

The five Ugandan representatives qualified after winning the national competition held at Olive School in Namugongo, which attracted participants from 24 schools across the country.

Rukare said the UOC, which initiated the program, would engage Olympic Solidarity to seek increased funding to expand the competition to a global level.

The 2026 forum is the second continental edition of the initiative, with Uganda having hosted the inaugural event in 2024.

The Maseru gathering will therefore provide the participating students with an opportunity to showcase their understanding of Olympic values while exchanging ideas and experiences with their peers from across Africa and back into their schools and communities.