Uganda will be represented by 25 athletes at the forthcoming Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, starting October 31- November 13.
The team was officially flagged off on Monday at the National Council of Sports (NCS).
Uganda will have representation in seven disciplines, including rowing, table tennis, badminton, cycling, athletics, swimming, and rugby.
This is a huge increase in the number of athletes from the previous editions when Uganda had up to five athletes.
“Previously, we were sending only five athletes and managed to bring home at least a medal in the last two editions. With such an increase in the number of athletes, only better performance is expected,” noted Beatrice Ayikoru, the Uganda Olympics committee (UOC) General Secretary.
Ayikoru noted that Uganda will also have technical people to officiate at the games.
Dr. Donald Rukare, the UOC president and also the Commonwealth Sport President, urged the athletes to maintain maximum discipline, ensure safe and clean sport, and follow safeguarding procedures.
“Maintain zero tolerance to sports manipulation and doping. Ensure that you take medication at the advice of the team doctor always. Do not eat or take anything privately given to you in the games and follow safeguarding procedures always,” he advised.
Rukare also revealed that two refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Florence Masembe (Women’s 200m) and Rachid Rochene (Men’s 200m) will be part of team Uganda after qualifying from the Game connect program.
While flagging off the team, Dr. Bernard Ogwel, the NCS General Secretary, said that the government is very much committed to developing sports, assuring the athletes of maximum support.
“Sports is among the top priorities in the budget allocation. The government is determined to build multifunctional stadiums and arenas to develop and tap more talents. Federations have more money now, but the question is how to use it. Through UOC, we now want to have a subvention to streamline sports development and leadership for better results,” noted Ogwel, who represented Peter Ogwang, the state minister for sports.
He urged the athletes to perform to their best, remain patriotic, and represent the country well, knowing that they carry Uganda’s image to the globe.
“I am told you are young people, and we do not want to give you money that will spoil you. We shall give you USD160 per night as pocket money, and this money will be wired directly to your respective accounts,” he revealed.
The team that is set to travel in batches starting this Tuesday includes two refugees from the DRC who qualified through the game connect programme by the UOC.
The delegation also includes two Games Ambassadors: Olympic medallist Halimah Nakaayi and swimmer Jamillah Lunkuse.
