Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has challenged Team Uganda to raise the country’s flag high at the 2026 Commonwealth Games by delivering a record-breaking performance when they compete in Glasgow, Scotland.
Nabbanja made the call on Thursday during the official flag-off ceremony at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, where she represented President Yoweri Museveni in sending off Uganda’s delegation for the Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2.
The Prime Minister urged the athletes to embrace discipline, determination and integrity, reminding them that they carry the hopes and pride of millions of Ugandans.
“Go and compete with determination, integrity and discipline. You are carrying the hopes, pride and flag of Uganda. Make Uganda proud,” Nabbanja said.
She said the government had fully financed Uganda’s participation at the Games, describing the support as part of its commitment to developing sports and improving the welfare of athletes.
Uganda will be making its 16th appearance at the Commonwealth Games, having accumulated 58 medals since its debut, including 19 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze medals, largely through athletics and boxing.
Nabbanja tasked the current generation of athletes to improve on that record and add more medals to Uganda’s tally.
“We want more medals this time; more gold, more silver and more bronze. Go and do your best for Uganda,” she said.
Team Uganda will be represented by 55 athletes, including 34 women and 21 men, with five para-athletes among the delegation. It will be the first time in the country’s Commonwealth Games history that female athletes outnumber their male counterparts.
The team will compete in nine sports disciplines, including athletics, boxing, netball, swimming, para-swimming, para-powerlifting, weightlifting, judo and basketball 3×3, with track cycling also featuring on Uganda’s programme.
The Glasgow Games will mark Uganda’s first appearance in women’s basketball 3×3 and judo, while the She Cranes return to the competition after missing the podium in Birmingham 2022 where they finished fifth.
Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai leads Uganda’s medal hopes in athletics and will be joined by notable names including Halimah Nakayi, Rebecca Chelangat, Oscar Chelimo and Dan Kibet. Chemutai remains the country’s only returning Commonwealth Games medallist from the 2022 edition.
Uganda’s swimming team includes para-swimmers Husnah Kukundakwe and teenage sensation Condoleeza Nakazibwe, alongside Gloria Muzito, Jesse Ssengonzi, Jordan Samula, Tendo Mukalazi, Tendo Kawumi, Kirabo Namutebi and Tara Naluwoza.
The Bombers will send six boxers, while weightlifter Davis Niyoyita, ranked second in Africa, will compete in the men’s 55kg category. The para-powerlifting team comprises Denis Mbaziira, Janet Nakayobyo and Rebecca Zawedde.
Nabbanja also highlighted government efforts towards improving sports infrastructure, pointing to the reconstruction of Hoima City Stadium and the ongoing development of the National High Altitude Training Centre in Teryet, which will aid preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
She further praised the establishment of a fully operational National Anti-Doping Organisation, saying it reflects Uganda’s commitment to promoting clean sport.
The Prime Minister also cautioned sports administrators to ensure accountability in the management of public resources, noting that government support must translate into better athlete preparation and improved results.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda Tiffany Kirlew, and representatives from various sports federations.
Team Uganda will travel to Glasgow with a delegation comprising athletes and officials, including coaches and federation leaders, as the country seeks to make a strong impact at the Commonwealth Games.
