Uganda set for the 4th Africa Youth Games

The first batch of Uganda’s contingent to the 4th Africa Youth Games in Angola will depart on Sunday, ahead of the continental championship scheduled for December 10–20.

Ugandan athletes are eager to showcase their talent on the continental stage while also vying for qualification slots at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Milton Chebet, the Assistant General Secretary in charge of technical matters, urged the athletes to uphold Uganda’s tradition of winning medals.

Speaking at the NCS Copper Chimney in Lugogo, he explained that only a few disciplines were selected based on invitation, qualification, and available resources. “Go and compete. The government has fully sponsored your team, and you only need to give your best,” Chebet emphasized.

Uganda will be represented by thirteen athletes across five disciplines. In swimming, Mary Suubi of Jaguar Swim Club and Abner Isaiah will compete in the aquatic events. Suubi expressed pride in being the only female swimmer from Uganda, saying she had trained hard and was honored to represent her country.

In table tennis, Joseph Sebatindira and Jemima Nakawala from Nakasero Table Tennis Club will carry Uganda’s hopes, with Sebatindira noting that the Games double as qualifiers for Dakar 2026 and promising to give their best.

The 3x3 basketball team features Brandina Kyalimpa, who also serves as team captain, alongside Grace Mwesigwa, Marion Apio, and Jovia Nyeko. Breakdance will be represented by George Ntulume under the guidance of coach Frank Kimuli. Athletics will field Baskaline Cherotwo, Risper Chekwemboi, Keren Chelimo, and Kizito Loput.

The delegation is led by Harriet Ayaa, Chairperson of the Uganda Gymnastics Federation. She reminded athletes of the mandatory MRI age verification tests to ensure all competitors are under 17 years old. “Players must be under 17 years, must have undergone a medical course, signed the code of conduct forms, and obtained parental consent as minors. These are prerequisites for participation,” Ayaa cautioned.

The Games will be staged across Luanda and Bengo provinces in Angola, bringing together Africa’s finest young athletes in a celebration of sport and youth talent.