Uganda to field largest team at African Games in Accra, Ghana

Uganda will take part in the 13th edition of the African Games next month with one of the longest lists of athletes.

At least 300 athletes will be part of the Ugandan contingent that will compete in football, cricket, handball, swimming, wrestling, cycling, athletics, boxing, table tennis, badminton, rugby, weightlifting, and basketball 3*3.

The National Council of Sports General Secretary Bernard Ogwel believes Uganda has a chance to qualify more athletes for the Paris Olympics since the games are also qualifiers for the Olympics

“With seven disciplines set for an Olympics ticket from the African games, we have instructed federations such as athletics, cycling, tennis, table tennis, wrestling, and swimming to front athletes that can clinch that ticket to increase the number of Team Uganda athletes for the Paris Games,” Ogwel said on Friday.

He pointed out that the delay in confirmation of the athletes to the games was due to financial challenges as he awaited the government's commitment to the games.

“With the inclusion of five team sports, at least sh4b increment should be added onto the already available resources to enable smooth preparations for both teams and the organizing committee," he added.

Uganda collected 10 medals at the 2019 African Games in Morocco with two silver medals and one bronze from boxing. Athletics got two bronze medals, while chess, badminton, and weightlifting received bronze medals.

Federations with athletes set to take part in the games have already started training.