With dreams of gold and national pride in their hearts, Uganda’s junior athletics team has been flagged off for the 4th Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18 and U20 Championships, set for July 16 in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
The 26-member delegation, 19 athletes (eight boys, eleven girls) and seven officials will fly out early Monday, led by Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) President Dominic Otucet. His presence signals how much Uganda values this rising generation.
At the flag-off held Sunday at the National Council of Sports in Lugogo, Acting Assistant General Secretary (Technical) Sarah Chelangat voiced confidence in the team.
“We believe in Team Uganda. They’ll bring back more medals,” Chelangat said.
“In April, they went to the qualifiers in Dar es Salaam and returned with 29 medals, the best performance we’ve had.”
That success in Tanzania raised expectations. Now, in Nigeria, Uganda’s young stars will face Africa’s best in a fierce test of speed, strength, and heart.
But there’s more than competition on the track. Abeokuta will also host the CAA Congress, where leaders will discuss the future of African athletics.
For Team Uganda, this trip is both a reward and a challenge proof that the country’s next generation is ready to shine on the continental stage.
