Kayongo Denis
Uganda has officially begun its journey to the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja flagged off Team Uganda during a colourful ceremony at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, Kampala.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Nabbanja commissioned the national delegation ahead of the Games, which will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Addressing athletes, coaches and officials, the Prime Minister urged Team Uganda to compete with determination, discipline and integrity as they carry the country’s hopes onto the international stage.
“Our athletes carry the hopes, pride and flag of Uganda. Compete with determination, integrity and discipline, and make Uganda proud,” Nabbanja said.
She revealed that the Government of Uganda had fully funded the team’s participation, describing the investment as a clear commitment to developing sports and giving Ugandan athletes every opportunity to succeed.
Uganda heads to Glasgow with a 55-member team, made up of 34 women and 21 men, including five para-athletes. It is the first time in the country’s Commonwealth Games history that female athletes outnumber their male counterparts, marking a major milestone for Ugandan sport.
The team will compete in 10 disciplines, including athletics, boxing, netball, swimming, weightlifting, judo, basketball 3×3, track cycling and para sports.
Much of Uganda’s medal hopes will once again rest on athletics, led by Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai, alongside experienced stars Halimah Nakayi, Rebecca Chelangat, Oscar Chelimo and Dan Kibet. The She Cranes also return after an impressive fifth-place finish at the Birmingham 2022 Games.
Nabbanja challenged the team to improve on Uganda’s impressive Commonwealth Games record of 58 medals (19 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze), expressing confidence that this generation can deliver even greater success.
She also praised the government’s continued investment in sports infrastructure, highlighting the renovated Hoima City Stadium, the ongoing construction of the National High Altitude Training Centre in Teryet, and Uganda’s commitment to clean sport through its National Anti-Doping Organisation.
As Team Uganda received the national flag, the ceremony ended with optimism and belief that the country’s athletes are ready to make history once again in Glasgow.
Athletics
Uganda’s biggest medal hopes once again rest on athletics, led by Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai. She is joined by:
- Peruth Chemutai
- Halimah Nakayi
- Rebecca Chelangat
- Oscar Chelimo
- Dan Kibet
- Maureen Banura
- Eric Okwi
- Adoli Haron
- Leni Shida (Mixed Relay)
Basketball 3×3
Uganda will make its Commonwealth Games debut in women’s Basketball 3×3.
Netball (She Cranes)
The She Cranes return to the Commonwealth Games after finishing fifth in Birmingham 2022, with seven experienced players retained from the previous tournament.
Swimming
Uganda’s swimming team features an exciting mix of local and internationally based athletes:
- Gloria Muzito
- Jesse Ssengonzi
- Jordan Samula
- Tendo Mukalazi
- Tendo Kawumi
- Kirabo Namutebi
- Tara Naluwoza
Para Swimming
- Husnah Kukundakwe
- Condoleeza Nakazibwe
Boxing (The Bombers)
Uganda will field six boxers across the men’s and women’s divisions as the Bombers chase podium finishes.
Weightlifting
- Davis Niyoyita (55kg)
Para Powerlifting
- Denis Mbaziira
- Janet Nakayobyo
- Rebecca Zawedde
Judo
Uganda will also make its Commonwealth Games debut in women’s judo.
Track Cycling
Uganda will also compete in track cycling as part of its Glasgow campaign.
As the national flag was officially handed over, Team Uganda departed with confidence, ambition and belief that they can return home with an even bigger Commonwealth Games medal haul from Glasgow.
