Uganda’s next generation of sporting talent is on its way to Kenya after a delegation of about 21 young athletes was officially flagged off for the second edition of the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games.
The Games will take place at Kenyatta University in Nairobi from August 24 to 28, 2026, bringing together promising young athletes from across the region in a competition aimed at developing future stars and preparing them for bigger international opportunities.
The Ugandan contingent was flagged off on Sunday evening ahead of its journey to Nairobi, carrying the country’s hopes across seven sporting disciplines, including 3×3 basketball, cycling, athletics, judo, swimming and tennis, with athletics among the disciplines represented in the delegation.
More than just another regional competition, the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games present an important stage for Uganda’s young athletes to test themselves, gain international exposure and continue their development as they pursue places at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, ANOCA Zone V President and Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare described the Games as a crucial stepping stone in the development of young athletes.
“These youth games provide an important breeding ground and preparation ground for our young people,” Rukare said.
He noted that while some athletes have already secured qualification for Dakar, others will use the Zone V Games as part of their preparation and journey towards qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games.
With the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games set to provide one of the biggest stages for emerging African sporting talent, the competition in Nairobi offers Team Uganda an opportunity to sharpen its athletes through meaningful competition, build confidence and measure their progress against some of the region’s best young performers.
The Zone V competition will bring together athletes from 11 countries: Uganda, hosts Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Egypt, Eritrea, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan.
With several of these nations boasting strong traditions in sports such as athletics and cycling, Uganda’s young stars are expected to face a highly competitive challenge across the five days of competition.
Team Uganda captain and basketball player Mwesigwa Grace Shivan believes the delegation is ready to rise to the occasion and represent the country with pride.
“We really wish, and we know we are going to perform better, bring medals to Uganda and make our country very proud,” she said.
Many of the athletes have already been exposed to competition through school championships, regional events and various training programmes. That experience, including opportunities to compete against and train alongside athletes from across East Africa, is expected to play an important role as they take on a wider regional field in Nairobi.
The three-member judo team is equally determined to make its presence felt at the Games.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Abdulhakim Otimrwoti said the team was ready to step onto the mat and fight for Uganda.
“We are going to represent our dear country with spirit and power,” he said.
The Judokas will be aiming to turn that determination into strong performances and, ultimately, results that will contribute to Uganda’s overall medal ambitions.
The second edition of the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games is expected to showcase some of the most promising young athletes in the region while also strengthening sporting cooperation and competition among the National Olympic Committees within the zone.
With Dakar 2026 on the horizon and a new generation eager to make its mark, the young Ugandan delegation now has the stage to show what it is capable of.