Seven Sports, One Mission: Team Uganda Ready for ANOCA Zone V Youth Games.
Uganda is set to send a diverse and promising contingent to the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games, scheduled for 24–28 August 2026 at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, with young athletes expected to compete across seven sporting disciplines.
The official delegation list from the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) reveals a team combining young athletes, coaches and support officials, reflecting Uganda’s commitment to giving its next generation of athletes valuable regional and international competition experience.
Seven sports, one Team Uganda
Uganda’s athletes will compete in athletics, basketball 3×3, beach volleyball, cycling, judo, swimming and tennis. The delegation also includes athletes and a coach representing the Olympic Refugee Team, alongside officials responsible for team administration, media, medical support and the refugee team.
The largest representation comes from athletics, where Uganda will field 12 athletes, supported by coaches Betty Aloyo and Isaac Kachembe Chelangat. The men’s contingent comprises Muhwezi Abraham Lincoln, Ogenrwot Daniel, Ededria R Paul, Kipsang Victor, Kiplimo O Nicholas and Wamodo Fred David, while the women’s team features Nabunya Tracy, Marufa Ahmed Dafala, Amuge Mercy, Cherotwo Baskaline, Chelimo Keren and Apiyo Michele.
Athletics will therefore be one of the key areas to watch as Uganda looks to showcase some of its emerging track and field talent on the regional stage.
Basketball 3×3 brings a young women’s team
Uganda’s representation in 3×3 basketball will consist of four female athletes Nanyonga Maria, Anena Nyeko Jovia, Apio Marion and Mwesigwa Grace Shivan, under the guidance of coach Hamza Nyambogo Mnemo.
The fast-paced 3×3 format will provide the players with an opportunity to test themselves against young opposition from across the Zone V region while gaining experience in international competition.
Beach volleyball and cycling add to Uganda’s challenge
In beach volleyball, Uganda will be represented by Oyena Emmanuel James and Kimbowa Reagan, with Makongoro Shamim serving as coach.
Cycling will see Ssali Ali and Jacinta Namubiru carry Uganda’s hopes, with Ishaka Bukenya accompanying the athletes as coach.
The two disciplines add variety to Uganda’s campaign and underline the breadth of sporting talent being developed beyond the country’s traditional strengths.
Judo and swimming ready for the spotlight
Uganda’s judo team features Sserunjogi Sudais Hussein and Nakato Benah, coached by Kakooza Solomon.
Swimming will also have a four-athlete team, with Nakasule Rahma, Muganzi Tyler, Kaweesa Jonathan and Mwase Arthur representing Uganda. Ezra Khali will serve as their coach.
For the swimmers, Nairobi presents an important opportunity to race against athletes from across the region and measure their progress in an international environment.
Tennis completes Uganda’s seven-sport programme
Uganda’s tennis contingent consists of Samuel Okello and Lillian Ayee, with Edward Odockcen as coach.
Their participation completes Uganda’s seven-sport programme and gives the country representation across a broad range of Olympic and youth sporting disciplines.
A place for refugee athletes
The delegation also carries an important message of inclusion through its Olympic Refugee Team representation.
Emmanuel Talipany, Rachid Rochene and Florence Masumbe will compete as athletes, while Isahura Wilbert is listed as their coach.
Their participation adds another dimension to the Games, demonstrating how sport can provide young people with opportunities to compete, belong and build connections beyond borders.
Away from the competition venues, Team Uganda will be supported by a group of officials tasked with ensuring the delegation functions smoothly throughout the Games.
Robert Jjagwe will be the Chief of Delegation/Team official (CDM), while Joseph Oluka will serve as Games Administrator. Media duties will be handled by Joyce Grace Kemigisa, with Miriam Mirembe Nalubega providing physiotherapy support.
The refugee team will also have dedicated support through Vanessah Ndabwike Kasobya, Brandon Kalangari Katura and Edgar Muhumuza, listed as Refugee Team Officials.
With the Games just days away, attention now turns to Kenyatta University, where Uganda’s young athletes will step onto the regional stage carrying the national flag.
From the track to the swimming pool, the tennis court to the judo mat, the cycling course to the beach volleyball court and the 3×3 basketball court, Team Uganda will be looking not only for medals but also for performances that signal the arrival of a new generation.
The 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games therefore offer Uganda an important opportunity: to compete, to learn, to grow and to announce the next generation of Ugandan sporting talent.
