His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sport, Janet Museveni, officially flagged off Uganda’s Olympic team at State House Entebbe on Tuesday afternoon.
During the ceremony, President Museveni emphasized the importance of discipline, sportsmanship, and magnanimity.
He urged the athletes to seize the opportunity to build resilience, highlighting that true sportspeople persist until they achieve victory. He concluded his address by wishing the team safe travels and success in their endeavors.
A total of 25 athletes will represent Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympics, competing in four sports disciplines: athletics, rowing, cycling, and swimming. The contingent boasts a diverse array of talent, featuring 21 runners, a rower, a cyclist, and two swimmers.
In athletics, Uganda will field 10 male and 11 female runners across various track events, including the 200m, 800m, 5000m, 10000m, 3000m steeplechase, and marathon.
The male runners include notable athletes such as Joshua Cheptegei, a double medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, who will compete in the 5000m and 10000m races.
Jacob Kiplimo, a bronze medalist from Tokyo, will also participate in the same events. Other male runners are Tarsis Gracious Orogot (200m), Tom Dradriga (800m), Oscar Chelimo (5000m), Martin Magengo Kiprotich (10000m), Leonard Chemonges (3000m steeplechase), Victor Kiplangat (marathon), Stephen Kissa (marathon), and Andrew Rotich Kwemoi (marathon).
Leading the women’s team is Peruth Chemutai, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, who will compete in the 3000m steeplechase. Newcomer Belinda Chemutai will join her in the 5000m race.
Other female athletes include Halimah Nakaayi (800m), Winnie Nanyondo (1500m), Joy Cheptoyek (5000m/10000m), Esther Chebet (5000m), Sarah Chelangat (10000m), Annet Chemengich Chelangat (10000m), Stella Chesang (marathon), Mercyline Chelangat (marathon), and Rebecca Cheptegei (marathon).
In swimming, Gloria Muzito will represent Uganda in the 100m freestyle, while Jesse Ssengonzi will compete in the 100m butterfly.
The cycling discipline will see Charles Kagimu participate in the Men’s Road Race on August 3rd, and Kathleen Grace Noble will take on the Single Scull Rowing event.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled from July 26th to August 11th 2024.
