Sports 6 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Eyes Future Success at Youth Olympics with Refugee Athletes and Elite Mentors
Uganda is sending a 25-strong contingent to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, featuring two refugee athletes and two decorated female Olympians as mentors. The Games are seen as a crucial stepping stone for Ugandan talent aiming for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/youth-olympics-refugee-athletes-female-mentors-beef-up-uganda-s-interests-5621296
Uganda is set to make its fourth appearance at the Youth Olympic Games, with the Dakar 2026 edition marking the first to be held on African soil. The national Olympic committee has unveiled a 25-athlete team, a squad notably enhanced by the inclusion of two athletics hopefuls who have qualified from refugee camps within Uganda. These athletes will compete as part of the Refugee Olympic Team, a move celebrated by officials as a demonstration of inclusivity and fairness.
Lydia Gloria Ssanyu Dhamuzungu, Chef de Mission for the Ugandan delegation, urged the nation to rally behind the young athletes competing from October 31 to November 13. She emphasized that the Games transcend mere competition, serving as a platform to showcase the determination, unity, and aspirations of Ugandan youth on the global stage.
The inclusion of refugee athletes aligns with Uganda’s commitment to providing opportunities for talented individuals, regardless of their background. This strategic focus on athlete development and pathways aims to build a stronger Ugandan presence in future international sporting events, with a particular eye on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
To further support this ambition, Uganda has secured two of its most accomplished female Olympians, 800m world champion Halimah Nakaayi and two-time Olympian swimmer Jamila Lunkuse, as Athlete Role Models. Selected by the International Olympic Committee, they will join an elite group of African mentors to guide over 2,700 young participants. Their experience and insights are expected to be invaluable in preparing the next generation of Ugandan athletes for the challenges and triumphs of elite sport, laying a foundation for success in LA 2028.
Officials highlighted the team’s recent successes, including a second-place finish at the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone V Games and medal-winning performances at the ANOCA School Games in Algeria, as indicators of Uganda’s growing strength in youth athletics. These upcoming Games in Dakar are considered a vital proving ground for emerging talent, with many expected to feature in future continental and world championships, and ultimately, the Olympics.