Sports 28 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Fred Masisa Leads Uganda's Para-Athletics Charge at National Trials
T11 sprinter Fred Masisa starred at the fourth National Para-Athletics Trial at Mandela National Stadium's training ground, as athletes aim for World Para Athletics-sanctioned times amid stadium renovations. The event highlights Uganda's structured efforts to bridge the global performance gap, targeting events like the Commonwealth Games and Paralympics. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/masisa-drives-para-athletics-push-to-close-global-gap-5439272
Uganda’s para-athletics scene gained momentum at the fourth National Trial held on Saturday at Mandela National Stadium’s training ground, while the main arena undergoes renovations. T11 sprinter Fred Masisa, a key figure in the program, headlined the event alongside 13 determined athletes competing in sprint events to secure internationally recognized times.
Masisa, who ran the 100m with guide runner Fred Oidja, described the race as fair but not his peak performance. ‘I’m working to improve,’ he said post-race. His steady progress mirrors Uganda’s broader push toward global competitiveness, with 26 athletes now on structured pathways.
Irene Nabisenke, sports development manager at the Uganda Paralympic Committee, emphasized that these results feed into international rankings and qualification journeys. Immediate goals include Commonwealth Games windows, with eyes on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Challenges persist, including funding shortages that limit training and travel, plus costly classification processes required for fair international competition. For visually impaired T11 athletes like Masisa and Oidja, guide coordination is crucial. Oidja, who also ran the 400m, stressed the need for rhythm to elevate performance.
Para-athletics classification groups competitors by impairment impact: ‘T’ for track events, with T11-T13 for visual impairments (T11 being totally blind with guides), and T40-T47 for limb issues varying by joint levels.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)