Ismail Ssebagala will become Uganda’s first para-archer to compete at the World Para Archery Championships when he lines up in Gwangju, South Korea, from September 22 to 28.
The 27-year-old has risen quickly since picking up a bow only 18 months ago under the Uganda Paralympic Committee.
Drawn to archery for its demand on focus and reasoning rather than raw strength, Ssebagala has devoted himself to mastering the sport and now carries Uganda’s hopes onto the global stage.
Uganda’s para-archery program remains in its infancy, and Ssebagala’s preparations have faced serious challenges.
The country lacks dedicated training facilities, a gap that para-archery coach Namukwaya Aisha says limits opportunities for athletes with disabilities. She urged government support for permanent infrastructure to sustain the sport’s growth.
Ssebagala remains undeterred. His appearance in Gwangju is a step toward a bigger dream: representing Uganda at the 2028 Paralympic Games.
