Uganda Athletics Federation has named a 21–member squad for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai and 800m world champion Halima Nakaayi set to spearhead the campaign.
The championships, scheduled for September 13–21, will see Uganda represented in a wide range of disciplines including the marathon, 10,000m, 5,000m, 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m, and 3,000m steeplechase. The team features 11 women and 10 men.
Chemutai leads the steeplechase contingent alongside Loice Chepkwemoi, while Nakaayi returns to defend her crown in the 800m.
Other standout names in the women’s squad include Sarah Chelangat and Joy Cheptoyek in the long–distance track races, and marathoners Stella Chesang, Juliet Chekwel, and Mercyline Chelangat.
On the men’s side, Commonwealth Games champion Victor Kiplangat heads a strong marathon lineup alongside Solomon Mutai, Stephen Kissa, and Abel Chelangat. Oscar Chelimo and Kenneth Kiprop will carry Uganda’s challenge in the 5,000m, while Leonard Chemutai lines up in the steeplechase and Tom Dradriga represents in the 800m.
The biggest talking point is the absence of world stars Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo, who have both withdrawn from the championships.
Their absence shifts attention to younger names like Chelimo and Kiplangat, who now face added responsibility to keep Uganda in medal contention.
