Uganda Athletics holds second national trials.
By Denise Namale
The Uganda Athletics Federation held the 2nd National trials on March 29, 2026, at Mandela National Stadium which are used to identify athletes for the upcoming events including Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth games.
In the 100 m sprint, the standout performers were Aboda Emmanuel of Uganda Prisons Athletics Club, who blazed a 10.44 s finish in Heat 9, and Olipa Sharif from KCCA Athletics Club, recording 10.73 s in Heat 8. Sunday Pascal from Maracha District also impressed with an 11.45 s run in Heat 1, highlighting early promise among district athletes.
The 400 m races produced thrilling results across four heats. In Heat 2, 17 year old Wananda Earnest from Standard High Zzana Athletics led with 50.23 s, followed by Byaruhanga Chrispus (Divine Athletics Club) at 51.07 s and Ocira Innocent (Divine Athletics Club) at 52.54 s. Heat 3 saw AkinyJuka Ishmeal from Bishop Stuart University Athletics Club clock 51.50 s, while Mariel Bhut from the Athlete Refugee Team posted 56.14 s. Heat 4 was dominated by Batte Keith (bib 117, Uganda Christian University Athletics Club) with 49.47 s, alongside Ambayo Boniface (49.52 s) and Okello Darius (49.65 s). The fastest overall time came in Heat 5, where Okwii Erick (UWA Athletics Club) smashed the track with 46.99 s, trailed by Chan Wengo Godfrey (47.05 s) and Omuka Kenneth (47.15 s).Field events also delivered memorable performances.
The 4×400m mixed relay saw Uganda Team A, which consisted of Okwi Erick, Laker Faith, Nakada Susan, and Chan Wengo Godfrey, take the lead with a blazing 3:18.50. Team B, featuring Ambayo Boniface, AkinyJuka Ishmael, Apiyo Michelle, and Batte Keith, finished second with 3:24.03, showcasing youthful potential. Uganda Team C, consisting of Omuka Kenneth, Okello Darius, Mariel Bhut, and Wananda Earnest, finished third with 3:27.98. The Uganda Prisons Athletics Club team, made up of Oyirwoth Jacob, Acan Janneth, Alanyo Catherine, and Chan Wengo Godfrey, finished fourth with 3:32.87.
The 4×100m Mixed Relay was a thrilling showcase of speed and teamwork, with Uganda Prisons Athletics Club winning in 45.45s, led by Mukasa Vincent, Koli Evaline Ocen, Isabirye Musa, and Auma Esther. UWA Athletics Club finished second with 46.50s, featuring Muhereza Davis, Anguparu Pamela, Muhwezi Abraham Lincoln, and Nyawere Christine. Divine Athletics Club finished third in 48.08s, with Byaruhanga Chrispus, Ahiaisibwe Shivan, Isingoma Isaac, and Angwech Jackline.
In the 200m heats, Namuwonge Janipher (KCCA Athletics Club) led Heat 1 with 25.97s, while Atimango Winnifred (Uganda Prisons Athletics Club) topped Heat 2 with 26.12s. Layet Mercy Lagen (Gombe SSS Athletics Club) led Heat 3 with 26.78s, Marufa Ahmed Dafala (Gombe Athletics Club) won Heat 4 with 26.65s, and Apoko Mary (Divine Athletics Club) topped Heat 5 with 26.35s.
In shot put, Alanyo Catherine of Uganda Prisons Athletics Club threw 10.80 m to claim top honors. The javelin throw was led by Lakica Jenneth from Uganda Police Athletics Club with a 44.88 m distance. Long jump saw Apiyo Polline of Gulu University Athletics Club leap 5.61 m for the best mark.The trials also featured para‑athletes in the 400 m, including Aduvaga Vincent (Para T46, Kenya) and Kiptanui Joseph Kipchirchir (Para T47, Kenya), who posted 51.47 s and 52.21 s respectively, showcasing inclusive competition.The event highlighted emerging stars such as Wananda Earnest, Okwii Erick, and Batte Keith, whose performances have set the stage for an exciting international season.

