Uganda’s rising athletics talent continues to shine after the Uganda Athletics (UA) 3rd national track and field Trials over the weekend produced 11 new qualifiers for the upcoming global junior showpiece.This latest development pushes the total number of Ugandan athletes who have met the qualification standards for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships to 25, up from the 14 athletes who qualified during the first two national trials held in March.

Officials say the number could rise even further as the national track and field season builds toward its climax in June, signaling what could be a record-breaking representation for Uganda at the championships.The global event is scheduled to take place from August 4 to 9,2026 at Hayward Field in Eugene.

Uganda Athletics President Domenic Otucet expressed optimism about the country’s future in the sport, noting that the strong performance by U20 athletes reflects a solid pipeline of talent.He emphasized that the growing number of young athletes meeting international standards is proof that Uganda is well-positioned to maintain its competitiveness on the global stage, with many of these athletes expected to transition into senior ranks in the coming years.

The trials have seen standout performances across middle and long-distance events, with athletes like Chekwemoi Felister, Yeko Bentalin, and Kipyeko Dan featuring prominently among the qualifiers. With momentum building,attention now turns to the final national championships in June, where more athletes are expected to secure their spots on the world stage.

QUALIFICATION STATUS SO FAR

Qualifiers (1st and 2nd Trials held on 14/03/26 & 28/03/26)

Women

800m – Chebet Zumurah 2:08.16

1500m – Chekwemoi Felister 4:15.39,

Cherotwo Baskerine 4:15.98

Chekwemoi Brenda 4:21.39

5000m – Cherop Charity 15:17.35

Yeko Bentalin 16:02.41

Men

800m – Murungi Shafeek 1:48.37

5000m – Cheptoyek Thomas 13:39.28

Kipyeko Dan 13:51.63

Ayeko Joshua 13:53.01

Kibet Michael 13:53.50

Kipyeko David 13:57.88

Kwemboi Ivan 13:58.48

Chemayek Solomon 14:02.00

Qualifiers (3rd trials held on 11/04/26)

Women

3000m – Yeko Bentalin 8: 57.07

Chekwemoi Felister 9:07.77

Chebet Peace 9:14.57

Chelimo Keren 9:18.86

Chelimo Rachael 9:23.41

Chebet Isella 9:24.19

Men

3000m – Kipyeko Dan 7:54.95

Kibet Michael 8:00.07

Kwemboi Ivan 8:01.93

Cherotich Levi 8:02.03

Chemayek Solomon 8:02.94