Uganda’s athletics stars return home after stunning seven-medal show in Riyadh

Uganda’s athletics team has returned to a heroic welcome after a powerful performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they secured seven medals, the biggest share of the country’s overall tally.

The 17-member contingent shone brightly on the track, led by Rebecca Chelangat, who stormed to gold in the 10,000m. Samuel Simba, Halima Nakayi, and Charity Cherop delivered silver in the men’s 10,000m, women’s 800m, and women’s 5000m respectively. Bronze medals from Simba, Shida Leni, and Abel Chebet capped a memorable outing.

Their achievements formed a major boost to Uganda’s 13-medal performance at the Games as Uganda finished a respectable 16th of 57 nations.

Beyond athletics, swimming sensation Gloria Muzito bagged two gold medals and a silver, while Jesse Sengonzi(swimming), Alfred Ojok (boxing), and the table tennis duo of Jemimah Nakawala and Parvin Judith Nangonzi added bronze to the tally.

In total, Uganda fielded 39 athletes from seven federations, including wrestling, weightlifting, and para powerlifting—marking one of the country’s strongest multi-sport outings in recent years.