Ugandan weightlifter Davis Niyoyita heads to Norway for World Championship

Uganda’s elite weightlifter Davis Niyoyita has departed for Norway to compete in the 2025 World Weightlifting Championship, scheduled for October 2–10.

The event marks a crucial step in his quest to accumulate qualification points for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Niyoyita was officially flagged off at the National Council of Sports (NCS) by Assistant General Secretary for Administration Joseph Oluga and Senior Sports Officer Sarah Chelangat. He was accompanied by his coach, Kassim Nsubuga.

Oluga praised Uganda’s strong history in weightlifting and urged Niyoyita to give his all for the nation.

“Weightlifting is one of our most promising sports disciplines and has consistently brought home medals from international competitions. That’s why the government remains committed to supporting athletes at global events. We’re counting on Davis to bring back medals and qualify for even bigger stages,” Oluga said.

Niyoyita, who has been training intensively for over five months, expressed confidence in his form and readiness.

“I’m focused on earning points for the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. My goal is to improve my total lift from 220kg to 240kg,” he said.

He will compete in the 60kg weight category, following the global federation’s decision to scrap the 55kg class.

Coach Nsubuga echoed his athlete’s optimism, saying Niyoyita is in peak condition and ready to take on the challenge.

The championship will feature top lifters from across Africa, including Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, and Algeria. The Ugandan team departed aboard Qatar Airways on Monday evening.