By John Barnes Ssentamu
Uganda’s delegation to take part in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia was officially flagged off on Friday, 31st October at Copper Chimney Restaurant, Lugogo in Kampala.
The flag off ceremony was graced by some of the athletes on the 39-man team, the media, team officials and representatives from the National Council of Sports (NCS) and Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC).
Milton Chebet (Deputy General Secretary) represented the General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel at the ceremony.
“Go and make Uganda proud with great representation. Win as many medals as possible. The Governemnt is here to offer as much support as possible” Chebet spoke.
Chief-De-Mission (CDM) Hajji Sadick Nassiwu urged the athletes to remain grounded, hardworking and disciplined at all times during the games.
“Dear athletes, I congragulate you the opportunity to represent your country at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia. Work as hard as possible and please respect the rules of this country. Always be disciplined” Hajji Sadick stated.
The same message was re-echoed by the athletes’ representative Shadir Musa Bwogi and Uganda Olympic Committee’s General Secretary Beatrice Ayikoru.
Overall team captain Godfrey Chan Wengo who competes in the 400m and 4X400m mixed relay vowed to deliver to the best of the expectations.
“As athletes, we have trained very well and ready to serve our country with diligence” Chan Wengo remarked.
Uganda has a big delegation in Wrestling, Athletics, Boxing, Aquatics, Table Tennis, Weightlifting and Para-Powerlifting.
These games will run from the 7th until 21st November 2025 in Riyadh city.
Uganda will also send in International Technical Officials (ITO’s) in weightlifting, Basketball and Boxing.
Salim Musoke Ssenkungu and Janet Musoke Namwanga will officiate in Weightlifting, Monicca Nassuuna (Basketball) and Fula Aciga (Boxing).
Since inception of these games in 2005, Uganda has been taking part.
Team Uganda Delegation:
Athletes:
Charity Cherop (5000m), Halima Nakaayi (800m & 4X400m mixed relay), Josephine Joyce Lalam (Javeline), Malvine Akwenyi (400m, 4X400m Mixed relay), Maureen Akiiki Banura (400m, 4X400m Mixed Relay), Rebecca Chelengat (10,000m), Shida Leni (400m, 4X400m Mixed Relay), Knight Aciru (1500m), Abel Chebet (10,000m), Godfrey Chan-wengo (400m, 4X400m Mixed Relay), Haron Adoli (400m, 4X400m Mixed Relay), Kenneth Omuka (400m, 4X400m Mixed Relay), Leonard Chemutai (3000M Steeple Chase), Samuel Simba Cherop (5000m), Tom Dradiga (800m, 4x400m Mixed Relay), Annet Chemengish Chelangat (10,000m), Risper Cherop (5000m)
Wrestling: Veronica Ayo(57kg), Rebecca Israel Among (62kg), Rodger Mukyeda(74kg)
Weightlifting: Aisha Namataka (86 kg), Steven Ojede (94 kg), Faluku Figo Kyambadde (65 kg), Davis Niyoyita (60 kg)
Para powerlifting: Denis Mbaziira
Swimming: Gloria Anna Muzito (100m, 50m free style; 4×100, Mixed Free style relay), Jesse Ssuubi Ssengonzi (50m butterfly, mixed 4x100m, Freestyle relay, 100m butterfly), Tendo Mukalazi (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 4x100m mixed freestyle relay), Ann Mary Kisawuzi Tara Naluwoza (50 back, 50 butterfly, 100 & 50 freestyle, 4X100 Mixed Freestyle relay and 100m fly)
Table Tennis: Jemimah Nakawala, Judith Mirembe, Judith Parvin Nangonzi, Joseph Francis Sebatindira, Joshua Magaya, Jonathan Ssenyonga
Boxing: Jimmy Adriko (60 kg), Angel Katushabe (51 kg), Fatuma Nabikolo (57 kg), Alfred Ojok (80 kg)
ITOS: Salim Musoke Ssenkungu, Janet Musoke Namwanga (Weightlifting), Monicca Nassuuna (Basketball), Fula Aciga (Boxing)
Chef De Mission: Sadik Zaid Nasiwu
Deputy Chef De Mission: Muhammadi Baale Waladde
Doctor: Leonard Francis Were
Physiotherapists: Miriam Mirembe Nalubega and Priscilah Ondoga
Adminstrative Personnel: Ivan Mugowa and Jonathan Wangoolo
Media Attache : David Isabirye
