Uganda’s Athletics team has departed for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to compete in the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, which kick off on November 17.
The delegation includes 17 athletes, the largest athletics team Uganda has ever sent to the event.
After an intense training camp in Bukwo, the squad is primed to take on competitors from more than 57 countries, aiming for medals and national pride. The selection features a blend of established stars and emerging talent, reflecting Uganda’s growing depth in track and field.
Olympian Halima Nakaayi headlines the women’s team, competing in both the 800m and the 4x400m mixed relay. She’ll be joined by sprinters Shida Leni, Banura Mauren Akiiki, and Akwenyi Malvin in the relays, while long-distance runners Charity Cherop, Risper Cherop, Rebecca Chelangat, and Annet Chemengich Chelangat contest the 5000m and 10,000m events.
Aciru Knight will compete in the 1500m, and Josephine Joyce Lalam will feature in the javelin throw.
The men’s contingent includes Adoli Haron, Omuka Kenneth, and Chanwengo Godfrey in the 400m and mixed relay, with Tom Dradriga running the 800m. Leonard Chemutai will take on the steeplechase, while Samuel Simba Cherop and Abel Chebet will line up for the 5000m and 10,000m races.
Uganda’s preparations in Bukwo focused on endurance, teamwork, and speed, setting the tone for what team officials describe as a mission not just to participate but to win.
