The last weightlifting Olympic Games qualifying event was held in Phuket, Thailand, from March 31 to April 11. Uganda was well represented by two Olympic hopefuls: Lydia Nakidde and Davis Niyoyita, to make it to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Niyoyita competed in the 61kg category, whereas Nakidde competed in the 64kg category. Nakidde improved her Olympic ranking weights by 10kg, whereas Niyoyita improved his ranking weights by 1kg.

Currently, with a total lift of 222kg, Niyoyita holds the first position in Africa and 22nd globally in his category. His sole remaining hope lies in a wild card extension in Africa. As the highest-ranked athlete in the 61kg category on the continent, luck seems to be on his side as the prime candidate.

"I have done all I can; now I have to wait for the decision from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to see if I get a slot at the universality level. I remain hopeful that I will be in Paris," Niyoyita emphasized.

Nakidde, on the other hand, currently holds the second position in Africa and 38th globally, with a lift of 174kg. Her only hope remains in securing the universality quota.

"If the first African in my category qualifies by standard, I might make it to the Olympics by wild card. The final decision now remains with the IWF. However, I have not lost hope," Nakidde stated.

To achieve an Olympic ranking, an athlete must have participated in a minimum of three IWF qualification events.

Team coach Khasim Nsubuga remains optimistic, believing that they are likely to be awarded at least one slot for the Universality quotas.

"For now, Davis Niyoyita is our best candidate. Although he might not have qualified by standard, he qualifies by ranking according to the rule of universality. Being the best in Africa in his category, chances are high that he will be considered. Additionally, being part of the Olympic solidarity program, it is a blessing that he has already proven his potential," Nsubuga explained.