Team Uganda Joins Africa in Celebrating Historic Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
DAKAR, SENEGAL – November 1, 2026 – Team Uganda has joined young athletes from across the world in celebrating the opening of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking a historic milestone for Africa as the continent hosts an Olympic sporting event for the first time.
The Games officially opened on Saturday, October 31, in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together young athletes from around the world for a celebration of sport, unity, friendship and cultural exchange.
Uganda is represented by 25 athletes competing in seven sports: Athletics, Badminton, Cycling (Road), Rugby Sevens, Swimming, Table Tennis and Rowing (Coastal Beach Sprints).
The Ugandan contingent comprises 17 male and eight female athletes, forming part of a 47-member delegation led by Chef de Mission Lydia Gloria Ssanyu Dhamuzungu, Assistant General Secretary of the Uganda Olympic Committee.
The seven disciplines provide a platform for Uganda’s emerging sporting talent to showcase its abilities on the international stage, while gaining valuable experience against some of the world’s most promising young athletes.
Uganda’s representation includes five athletes in Athletics, one in Badminton, one in Road Cycling, 11 in Rugby Sevens, four in Swimming, two in Table Tennis and one in Rowing Coastal Beach Sprints.
A historic moment for refugee athletes
Beyond its national team representation, Uganda is also playing an important role in another significant milestone at Dakar 2026 through two refugee athletes based in the country who are part of the Refugee Olympic Team.
Florence Masembe will compete in the women’s 200m, while Rachid Rochene will take part in the men’s 200m. Both athletes are hosted by the Uganda Olympic Committee and have been part of the talent development pathway supported through the Game Connect programme.
Their selection is particularly significant as Dakar 2026 marks the first time a Refugee Olympic Team is participating in the Youth Olympic Games.
The six-member Refugee Olympic Team brings together young athletes hosted by the National Olympic Committees of Uganda and Kenya. Their participation reflects the Olympic Movement’s commitment to inclusion, equal opportunity and the belief that sporting talent can flourish regardless of an individual’s circumstances.
The presence of Masembe and Rochene is an important recognition of the opportunities created through sport, particularly for young people from refugee communities.
Africa welcomes the Olympic Movement
The opening ceremony, held at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, was a colourful celebration of Senegalese culture, African creativity and the Olympic spirit. It featured more than 1,100 performers, showcasing the continent’s cultural diversity and the energy of its young people.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry addressed the athletes and spectators, describing the occasion as a proud moment for Senegal, Africa and the entire Olympic Movement.
In her address, Coventry, who is Zimbabwean, expressed pride in seeing Africa welcome the Olympic Movement for the first time. She encouraged the young athletes to believe in themselves, dream big, embrace new friendships, support one another and make the most of their experiences.
She also recognised the contribution of the Senegalese Government, the organising committee, volunteers and young people whose creativity and involvement helped bring the Games to life.
The Games were officially declared open by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, ushering in 14 days of sporting competition and cultural exchange.
Dakar 2026 is welcoming approximately 2,650 young athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees, alongside the Youth Refugee Olympic Team, with competitions taking place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
Uganda’s journey in Dakar
As competition gets underway, Team Uganda will be looking to make the most of this international opportunity, with its young athletes carrying the country’s flag and hopes across seven sporting disciplines.
The Uganda Olympic Committee wishes all Team Uganda athletes, coaches and officials success throughout the Games, while extending its best wishes to Florence Masembe and Rachid Rochene as they represent the Refugee Olympic Team.
Dakar 2026 is more than a sporting competition; it is an opportunity to nurture the next generation of champions, strengthen international friendships and demonstrate how sport can unite people and create opportunities for young people across Africa and the world.
Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates!
