2025 African Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championship
- Best Snatch – 90kg
- Best Clean & Jerk – 120kg
- Best Overall Total – 210kg
- Crowned Gold Champion (110+kg)
Uganda’s Dan Tumukunde, known online as DANTONDELION, claimed three gold medals in the 110+ kg category at the Youth and Junior African Weightlifting Championships this August.
His victory in Accra marks a major milestone in his career and he’s already looking ahead to the ISIS Games in Saudi Arabia later this year.
A journey fueled by faith and hustle
Getting to Ghana wasn’t easy. Tumukunde battled injuries, financial strain and the stress of balancing school with training.
“I was just praying everything would work out,” he said.
“I had to hustle to train. My finances were tight. But thanks to support from Victoria University’s Vice Chancellor Lawrence Muganga, Manger JB Magezi YPA Goats and Mr Daniel Kayongo at Plascon and, I made it.”
He traveled with a fellow athlete and the president of the national weightlifting federation both of whom he credits for making the trip possible.
In Ghana, he stood shoulder to shoulder with athletes from countries like Morocco, Kenya, Libya, and Algeria many with government funding and elite coaching. Still, he didn’t flinch.
“I didn’t know how I’d perform,” he said. “But I prayed, gave it everything, and by God’s mercy, I won three golds for Uganda.”
Speaking up for Uganda’s athletes
Despite his success, Tumukunde is honest about the challenges back home.
“Olympic weightlifting isn’t bodybuilding or powerlifting, it’s one of the hardest sports in the world,” he said.
“But in Uganda, we get little support. Many athletes quit because there’s no funding or recognition.”
Through his social media, DANTONDELION promotes the sport, shares his journey, and calls for better support.
“What I need now is financial help, proper gear, nutrition, and sponsorships,” he said.
“To qualify for the Commonwealth Games, I have to stay focused and keep training.”
Next stop: Saudi Arabia
With three gold medals in hand, Tumukunde now turns to the ISIS Games in November, where he hopes to lift for Uganda once again.
“I’m ready to fight, for my country, my dreams, and everyone who believes in us,” he said.
Tumukunde’s story is proof that determination, talent, and a little support can take athletes far even when the odds are stacked.
