Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) president Dominic Otucet has defended the national team after their medal-less outing at the World Championships in Tokyo, attributing the performance to extreme weather conditions.
Otucet said the athletes had received full support from both the federation and government and were adequately prepared, but high humidity in Tokyo proved a decisive factor.
“Ugandans criticized the athletes at the time they needed their support, forgetting the many years they have proudly lifted the Ugandan flag high,” he said.
While acknowledging the disappointment, Otucet called for patience and support as the team regroups. He emphasized that preparations are already underway for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, set for January 10 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida.
“The hunt for medals continues,” he assured, noting that the cross country team is expected to be among Uganda’s strongest prospects in the coming years.
