Masembe, 17, will compete in the women’s 200m, while Rochene, 16, is set to race in the men’s 200m. Their participation marks an important milestone as Dakar 2026 prepares to welcome the first Refugee Olympic Team in Youth Olympic Games history.

From community sport to the international stage

The athletes’ journey reflects the role of structured sports development programmes in identifying talent and creating opportunities for young people from refugee communities.

Both Masembe and Rochene were identified through Game Connect, a community sports initiative supported by the Olympic Refuge Foundation and implemented in collaboration with UOC, Avsi Foundation, Youth Sport Uganda, UNHCR and Right to play. The programme uses sport to promote inclusion, well-being and personal development among young people in refugee settlements and host communities.

Their development has included participation in Uganda Athletics Federation competitions at Namboole and the ANOCA Zone V Games in Nairobi, providing valuable competitive experience as they worked towards international representation.

The upcoming camp in Kenya will offer the pair an opportunity to refine their preparation, build on their previous training and prepare for the challenge of competing against some of the world’s most promising young athletes.

A historic opportunity for refugee athletes

The Refugee Olympic Team for Dakar 2026 comprises six athletes based in Uganda and Kenya, competing in athletics, judo and taekwondo.

For Masembe and Rochene, selection goes beyond individual sporting achievement. Their presence at the Games will also highlight the potential of young refugees and the importance of creating accessible pathways for talent to progress from grassroots participation to elite competition.

The athletes have also benefited from mentorship by Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, whose engagement with the Refugee Olympic Team has emphasised discipline, commitment and the values of sport.

Their progress demonstrates how sustained support, training opportunities and collaboration among sporting organisations can help young athletes pursue their ambitions despite challenging circumstances.

Looking ahead to Dakar

Dakar 2026 will be the first Olympic sporting event hosted on African soil, making the edition particularly significant for the continent and its young athletes.

As Masembe and Rochene move from Kampala to their final preparations in Kenya, attention will turn to translating their training and experience into strong performances on the track.

Their journey also reinforces the importance of initiatives such as Game Connect in building confidence, nurturing talent and opening doors for young people through sport.

As the countdown to Dakar continues, the two athletes carry with them the hopes of their communities and a message that opportunity, determination and the right support can help young people reach the international stage.