Team Uganda Swimmers Deliver Competitive Performances as Refugee Athletes Celebrate Their Journey at Dakar 2026.
Team Uganda continued its participation at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Wednesday, with swimmers Peterson Inhensiko and Zara Marie Mbanga taking to the pool at the Complexe Tour de l’Œuf.
The day featured competitive performances from Uganda’s young swimmers, while the country’s connection to the historic Refugee Olympic Team was also celebrated through an engagement highlighting the journeys of Florence Masembe and Rachid Rochene.
Inhensiko Finishes Second in 50m Freestyle Heat
Peterson Inhensiko produced an impressive performance in the Men’s 50m Freestyle, competing from Lane 7 in Heat 4.
Inhensiko touched the wall in 24.73 seconds to finish second in his heat, just 0.40 seconds behind the winner. The race was closely contested, with the second-, third- and fourth-place swimmers separated by only 0.14 seconds.
The Ugandan swimmer held his position in a tightly fought sprint, demonstrating composure and determination against an international field.
Inhensiko Returns for 50m Butterfly
Inhensiko later returned to the pool for the Men’s 50m Butterfly heats, where he competed in Lane 6 of Heat 3.
He recorded a time of 27.33 seconds to finish fourth in the heat, adding another competitive outing to his Dakar 2026 campaign.
Mbanga Sets Personal Best in 200m Individual Medley
Earlier in the swimming programme, Zara Marie Mbanga competed in Heat 1 of the Women’s 200m Individual Medley.
Mbanga finished fifth in her heat, clocking 2:35.56 to establish a new personal best. The performance marked another step forward for the young swimmer as she continues to gain experience on the international stage.
Refugee Athletes’ Journeys Celebrated in Dakar
Beyond the sporting competition, Uganda’s involvement in the historic Refugee Olympic Team was highlighted through a special dinner held on Tuesday at the UNHCR Residence in Senegal, hosted by the Swiss High Commissioner.
Florence Masembe and Rachid Rochene, who are based in Uganda and competing as members of the Refugee Olympic Team, joined guests from Senegal’s diplomatic and creative communities for an evening of interaction and storytelling.
The athletes’ journeys to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games were showcased through a special exhibition featuring photographs and videos, offering guests an opportunity to learn about their experiences, resilience and determination.
Masembe is competing in the Women’s 200m, while Rochene is set to contest the Men’s 200m. Their participation marks a historic milestone, as Dakar 2026 is the first Youth Olympic Games to feature a Refugee Olympic Team.
Both athletes were identified through the Game Connect programme in Uganda, which uses sport to promote inclusion and create opportunities for young people from refugee and host communities.
Their presence at the Games reflects the power of sport to open pathways, inspire hope and bring people together beyond borders.
Refugee Athletes’ Journeys Celebrated in Dakar
Beyond the sporting competition, Uganda’s involvement in the historic Refugee Olympic Team was highlighted through a special dinner held on Tuesday at the UNHCR Residence in Senegal, hosted by the Swiss High Commissioner.
Florence Masembe and Rachid Rochene, who are based in Uganda and competing as members of the Refugee Olympic Team, joined guests from Senegal’s diplomatic and creative communities for an evening of interaction and storytelling.
The athletes’ journeys to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games were showcased through a special exhibition featuring photographs and videos, offering guests an opportunity to learn about their experiences, resilience and determination.
Masembe is competing in the Women’s 200m, while Rochene is set to contest the Men’s 200m. Their participation marks a historic milestone, as Dakar 2026 is the first Youth Olympic Games to feature a Refugee Olympic Team.
Both athletes were identified through the Game Connect programme in Uganda, which uses sport to promote inclusion and create opportunities for young people from refugee and host communities.
Their presence at the Games reflects the power of sport to open pathways, inspire hope and bring people together beyond borders.
Uganda’s Campaign Continues
As the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games progress, Team Uganda’s young athletes continue to gain valuable international exposure while representing the country with determination and pride.
The Uganda Olympic Committee celebrates the performances of its swimmers and the inspiring journeys of Florence Masembe and Rachid Rochene, whose participation reinforces the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.
As the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games progress, Team Uganda’s young athletes continue to gain valuable international exposure while representing the country with determination and pride.
The Uganda Olympic Committee celebrates the performances of its swimmers and the inspiring journeys of Florence Masembe and Rachid Rochene, whose participation reinforces the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.
