Uganda flags off 25 athletes for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
KAMPALA, UGANDA, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports has officially flagged off a delegation of 25 young athletes who will represent Uganda at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, marking a significant milestone in the country’s participation in the global youth sporting event.
The Ugandan team comprises 17 male and eight female athletes who will compete in seven sports: Rugby Sevens, Athletics, Cycling, Rowing, Swimming, Badminton and Table Tennis. The athletes will be accompanied by coaches, team officials and support personnel, bringing the total delegation to 47 members.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, UOC President Dr Donald Rukare congratulated the athletes on earning the opportunity to represent Uganda and highlighted the historic significance of the Games, particularly for Rugby Sevens, which will be making its first appearance for Uganda at the Youth Olympic Games.
Dr Rukare urged the athletes to uphold discipline, respect and the highest standards of sporting conduct, emphasising the importance of safeguarding and warning them against competition manipulation.
He encouraged the young athletes to make the most of the opportunity, reminding them that representing Uganda on the international stage comes with responsibility both on and off the field of play.
Dr Rukare also recognised two Ugandan-based refugee athletes from the Game Connect programme who will compete for the Refugee Olympic Team at Dakar 2026: Florence Masembe (Women’s 200m) and Rachid Rochene (Men’s 200m). Their participation highlights the power of sport to nurture talent, create opportunities and inspire young people from refugee communities.
key facts
Team Uganda break down summary
• 25 Athletes (17 Male and 08 Female)
• 11 Coaches (08 Male and 03 Female)
• 07 Officials (03 Male and 04 Female)
• 02 NOC Officials (01 Male and 01 Female)
• 03 Government officials (03 Male)
National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel commended the athletes, coaches and sports federations for their efforts in preparing the team. He described Uganda as a country rich in sporting talent and encouraged the athletes to take pride in their national identity as they prepare to compete against some of the best young athletes in the world.
Dr Ogwel also recognised the Uganda Rugby Union for securing Uganda’s qualification in Rugby Sevens through its performance, while acknowledging the leadership and advocacy that continue to support the development of sport in the country.
Uganda’s Growing Presence at the Youth Olympic Games
UOC General Secretary Beatrice Ayikoru reflected on Uganda’s journey at previous editions of the Youth Olympic Games, highlighting the country’s steady growth in participation and achievements.
Uganda’s earlier appearances featured smaller teams of five athletes, with representation in sports including Athletics, Badminton, Weightlifting, Swimming, Rowing and Table Tennis. The country has also recorded notable achievements at previous editions, including bronze-medal performances by Ugandan athletes.
The delegation heading to Dakar represents a substantial increase in Uganda’s participation, with 25 athletes competing across seven sports.
Ayikoru noted that the team had undergone preparations under various coaches and encouraged the athletes to approach the competition with confidence.
“It’s going to be hot. When you go there, don’t undermine yourselves. You’re the best we have,” Ayikoru told the athletes, urging them to believe in their abilities and give their best throughout the Games.
A Historic Opportunity for Young Athletes
Dakar 2026 will provide Uganda’s young athletes with an opportunity to compete internationally, gain valuable experience and showcase the country’s growing sporting talent.
The inclusion of Rugby Sevens is particularly significant, reflecting the sport’s development in Uganda and the efforts of the Uganda Rugby Union in securing a place at the Games.
The athletes will compete under the guidance of their respective coaches and team officials, with an emphasis on preparation, teamwork, discipline and fair play.
The delegation will also benefit from the inspiration of two Games Ambassadors, Olympic medallist Halimah Nakaayi and swimmer Jamillah Lunkuse, who will help champion the values and aspirations of the young athletes.’
As the team prepares to travel to Senegal, the Uganda Olympic Committee has called upon the athletes to represent the country with pride, uphold Olympic values and use the experience as a foundation for their future sporting careers.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026 in Senegal, bringing together young athletes from across the world.
With 25 athletes ready to compete across seven sports, Uganda heads to Dakar with renewed ambition, a growing presence on the international stage and the determination to fly the national flag high.
The team will be led by Joseph Sebatindira (Table Tennis) and Zara Banga (Swimming) as team captains.
