Uganda’s ISG 2025 contingent flagged off with medal challenge

Uganda’s athletes heading to the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have been challenged to bring home medals as the multi-sport event kicks off on November 7.

Milton Chebet, Assistant General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS) in charge of technical matters, delivered the call to action during the official flag-off ceremony held Friday afternoon at Lugogo’s NCS Cooper Complex Restaurant.

“Winning medals at international competitions not only brings pride to the nation but also inspires increased government investment in sports,” Chebet said. “We were impressed by the boxing team’s 15-medal haul at the Africa Zone 3 Championships in Kenya. You are a larger contingent and we expect even more.”

Uganda’s delegation includes 39 athletes and 21 officials across seven disciplines: athletics, boxing, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, weightlifting, and powerlifting. Chebet revealed that the government has injected nearly sh2 trillion into sports this year, covering both competitions and infrastructure development, with the goal of empowering young Ugandans to represent their country with excellence.

NCS and UOC officals (seated) pose for a family photo with the athletes during the flag off ceremony PHOTO: Silvano Kibuuka

He reminded athletes of the government’s welfare and safeguarding policy, which awards sh100 million to gold medalists at major games. He also urged discipline, focus, and patriotism, warning against misconduct and cases of athletes disappearing abroad.

The 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games officially opened on October 31 with the inauguration of the Games Village and will run until November 21.

Uganda has participated in all five previous editions, earning a total of 11 medals. This year’s team will be captained by 400m and 4x400m mixed relay runner Godfrey Chan-Wengo, with boxer Fatuma Nabikolo, fresh off a gold medal win in Kenya, serving as vice captain.

“Let’s make Uganda proud and inspire the next generation,” Chan-Wengo told his teammates.

Beatrice Ayikoru, General Secretary of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), congratulated the athletes on qualifying and emphasized the significance of their participation in Uganda’s journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“We’re pleased that men and women now compete in the same stadiums at the Islamic Solidarity Games. Only internationally ranked athletes qualified, and their performances will strengthen Uganda’s Olympic chances,” Ayikoru said. She also outlined new travel protocols requiring athletes to arrive three days before their events and depart two days after.

Chef de Mission Sadiq Nasiwu, also President of the Uganda Volleyball Federation, and athlete representative Shadir Musa cautioned the team to respect Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms.

“Avoid drugs and alcohol, or you may not come back,” Nasiwu warned.

“Do not interact inappropriately with women, even casual touching or jokes are unacceptable. Seek help only from team executives when necessary,” Musa added.

The advance team departed for Riyadh on Friday, with the first batch of athletes scheduled to travel on Sunday.

The delegation also includes international technical officials Salim Musoke Ssenkungu, Janet Namwanga (weightlifting), Monicca Nassuuna (basketball), and Fula Aciga (boxing), along with Muhammadi Baale (Deputy Chef de Mission), Leonard Francis Were (Team Doctor), Miriam Nalubega (Physiotherapist), and David Isabirye (Media Attaché).