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Uganda Olympic Committee AGM-2025.
By Denise Namale
The Uganda Olympic Committee held their 2025 Annual General Meeting at the Mestil Hotel, Kampala on 14th March 2026. Dr. Donald Rukare, who was the chairperson, informed the AGM that the UOC participated in regional and international events. He singled out two ANOCA awards; sustainability to Uganda (UOC) out of three awardees and gender and sports development to Beatrice Ayikoru out of four women in Africa. He congratulated and commended a number of people who were recognised in the year by either their International Federations or other sports bodies. The Chair appreciated members for organizing regional or continental events in 2025. The events included Eastern Africa Rowing championships, Rugby Africa Cup, and African Nations Championships (CHAN). He also introduced Tooke as the Nutrition Partner and encouraged federations/associations to support them.
The National Council of Sports (NCS) was represented by Ms. Diana Kwesiga. She highlighted the importance of federations complying with the Statutory Instruments No.38, 2014, and the 2023 Sports Act, which require them to register and meet special governance standards. She advised the member Federations and Associations that there would be a ‘middle ground’ in regards to the legal challenges in registration.
Secretary General Beatrice Ayikoru reported that the UOC/CGAU had a strong 2025 performance, highlighting achievements across five pillars. She said the organisation supported athletes with scholarships and grants, organised mental health workshops, and won 24 medals in international games. She added that the UOC improved governance, financial sustainability, and WADA code compliance, while promoting Olympic values through gender equity activities and sustainability projects. She noted that special projects, including Game Connect and G.I.R.L.S against GBV, reached over 821 youth and 200 girls.
Update on the Commonwealth Games. Godwin Kayangwe, the Chef de Mission, presented the Commonwealth roadmap, including the qualified sports and those pending qualification. The Glasgow 2026 will run from Thursday, July 23, to Sunday, August 2, 2026. He informed the assembly that Uganda will feature 55 athletes in the games, with 20 male athletes and 33 female athletes, in athletics (16), boxing (6), swimming (4), judo (2), and track cycling (1). Netball (12) and 3×3 basketball (4), para powerlifting (4), weightlifting (3), para athletics (2), and para swimming (1).
Update on Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Ms. Lydia Dhamuzungu presented the progress and operations update at the assembly. The Youth Olympics will take place from 31st October to 13 November 2026 in Dakar. The estimated sports are athletics, badminton, basketball 3×3, Rowing – Beach Sprints, Boxing, cycling, and swimming. She informed the assembly that more details will be shared after the CDM meeting which will take place on April 7-11, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal.
