Sports 11 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Wushu Team Eyes Medals at Rwanda Genocide Memorial Tournament
Uganda's emerging Wushu talents, Nahia Nayiga and Haitham Lubega, are set to compete in the Genocide Memorial Kung-Fu Wushu Tournament in Kigali, aiming for medals and crucial qualification points for the Youth Olympics. The event also commemorates the 32nd anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/uganda-s-wushu-team-plots-for-genocide-memorial-medals-5493052
A determined three-person contingent from Uganda is heading to Kigali, Rwanda, this weekend for the annual Genocide Memorial Kung-Fu Wushu Tournament. The competition holds significant importance not only as a sporting event but also as a solemn remembrance, marking 32 years since the devastating 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Among the Ugandan competitors is 14-year-old Nahia Nayiga, who will be participating in the tournament for the second time. Having made her debut last year, Nayiga is eager to secure a medal, following in the footsteps of her senior teammates who have achieved notable success in previous editions. At the 2023 Ivan Wong event, Uganda secured impressive results, including a gold medal in the Sanda 76kg-82kg category and silver medals in the 62kg-68kg and 90kg divisions.
Joining Nayiga is 15-year-old Haitham Lubega. Both teenagers are eyeing strong performances in Kigali as they strive to qualify for the upcoming Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled for October. “The Genocide Memorial event is one of those that may enhance our qualification to Dakar,” stated Eddie Gombya, president of the Uganda Wushu Federation. “So, amid all the financial constraints, we have sent a team, and we hope it performs well.”
Coach Robert Kizito, who recently guided Nayiga and Lubega through the IWUF African Youth Wushu Training Camp and the African Youth Championships in Egypt, will be present. He anticipates his young charges will effectively demonstrate the skills and confidence they have developed, aiming for a successful outing in Rwanda.
The Ugandan team consists of Nahia Nayiga, Haitham Lubega, and Coach Robert Kizito.