Hope and Triumph: U18 Athlete Refugee Team Expands to Uganda

In a heartwarming initiative, the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team has welcomed twelve exceptional U18 athletes in Uganda, broadening their ambition to the promising horizon of the 2026 Youth Refugee Olympic Team.

A Journey Begins in Uganda

Under the sunny skies of Kampala, these young athletes took their first strides towards greatness at the Mandela National Stadium. Drawn from Uganda’s diverse refugee settlements of Adjumani, Rwamwanja, Kyangwali, and the urban locale of Kampala, they showcased determination and raw talent. For many, the experience of stepping onto the grand track field for the first time was a dream realized.

Expanding Opportunities through Athletics

The expansion to Uganda marks a key milestone in opening athletic opportunities for refugees beyond Kenya, where the foundation of this program was laid. With the support of the Olympic Refuge Foundation, World Athletics, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Uganda now offers a platform for these young athletes to turn life’s trials into triumphs.

Bridging Borders and Hearts

Remarkably, this initiative unites continents and communities. Ugandan representatives, including Dr. Donald Rukare of the Uganda Olympic Committee and Dominic Otucet, bring fervent support. Meanwhile, Kenyan athletics legend Jackson Tuwei, alongside international dignitaries, adds a touch of mentorship and collaboration, creating a tapestry of shared knowledge and passion for sports.

Inspirational Figures and Mentorship

Finding inspiration close to home, Uganda’s Assistant General Secretary Milton Chebet applauds the drive and diligence showcased by these athletes. And on a larger stage, athletics icon Eliud Kipchoge stands as a symbol of hope, imparting lessons of resilience and ambition, painting a future where no dream is too big for young refugees.

A Beacon of Hope Amidst Challenges

Uganda’s compassionate open-door policy gives refuge to millions from Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflecting humanity’s innate kindness despite funding shortages and geopolitical challenges. Athletics now emerges as a channel, empowering refugee youth to overcome barriers and embrace equal opportunities.

This expanded refugee athlete program signifies not only a triumph on tracks but also an uplifting saga of hope, endurance, and unity. It is a testament to what human spirit can achieve when confronted with adversity—a message that echoes far beyond the stadium’s cheers.

According to worldathletics.org, the relentless spirit of these athletes, along with strategic collaborations, underscores that the power of sports transcends boundaries, fostering change and forging a pathway to a brighter future for refugee youth.

Author: Darren Allan Kyeyune for World Athletics

Meet the Promising Young Athletes

Women’s Team

  • 100m: Alini Asinati (COD)
  • 200m: Alini Ntakirutimana (COD)
  • 400m: Amida Maburuka (SSD)
  • 800m: Flavia Atayo (SSD), Florence Masumbe (COD)
  • 1500m: Evaline Baako (SSD)

Men’s Team

  • 100m: Emmanuel Talipanaw (COD)
  • 200m: Moise Kalume (COD)
  • 400m: Bhut Mariel (SSD)
  • 800m: Rachid Rochene (COD)
  • 1500m: Emanuel Dhegbo (COD)
  • 3000m: Lole Clement (SSD)