Uganda is heading to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with one of its strongest and most balanced teams in recent history. The East African nation will be represented by 53 athletes, including 35 women, 18 men, and five para-athletes, competing across multiple sports as they seek to improve on their achievements from previous editions of the Games.
With Olympic champions, world medalists, and emerging talents all earning selection, Team Uganda enters Glasgow with genuine hopes of securing medals across a variety of disciplines.
Team Uganda by the Numbers
- Total athletes: 53
- Female athletes: 35
- Male athletes: 18
- Para-athletes: 5
- Sports represented: Athletics, 3×3 Basketball, Boxing, Track Cycling, Netball, Swimming, Para Swimming, Judo, and Para Powerlifting
The composition of the team reflects Uganda’s growing investment in women’s sport and para-sport while maintaining its traditional strength in athletics.
Athletics Leads Uganda’s Medal Charge
Athletics remains Uganda’s strongest medal prospect heading into Glasgow 2026.
Peruth Chemutai
Olympic steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai will once again carry Uganda’s hopes on the international stage. The accomplished distance runner is expected to be among the favorites in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase and will be targeting Commonwealth Games gold.
Halimah Nakaayi
Former world champion Halimah Nakaayi returns to major competition in the women’s 800m. Renowned for her tactical brilliance and powerful finishing speed, Nakaayi remains one of Uganda’s most accomplished middle-distance runners.
Joy Cheptoek
A consistent performer on both the track and road, Joy Cheptoek has earned selection in the women’s long-distance events and is expected to challenge strongly against some of the Commonwealth’s best athletes.
Rebecca Chelangat
Chelangat will compete in the women’s 5,000 m and enter the Games after several impressive performances on the international circuit.
Esther Chebet
Another key member of Uganda’s distance-running contingent, Esther Chebet, adds depth and quality to the nation’s medal ambitions.
Aciru Knight
Knight has been selected for the women’s 1,500m and continues to establish herself as one of Uganda’s most promising middle-distance runners.
Shida Leni
One of Uganda’s leading sprinters, Shida Leni, will compete in the women’s 400m and will look to make her mark on the Commonwealth stage.
Banura Maureen Akii
Banura joins Uganda’s sprint squad and is expected to feature prominently in the women’s 400m competition.
Tarsis Orogot
Widely regarded as one of Uganda’s fastest young athletes, Orogot will compete in both the men’s 100m and 200m events.
Prisca Chesang
A versatile long-distance specialist, Chesang continues to impress at the highest level and will be aiming for a strong finish in Glasgow.
Netball Team Ready for the Challenge
Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, heads into the Games with high expectations.
Over the past decade, Uganda has emerged as one of Africa’s leading netball nations, regularly competing against some of the world’s best teams. The She Cranes will be aiming for a deep run in the tournament and potentially another podium finish.
Their combination of experienced campaigners and young talent gives Uganda confidence heading into the competition.
Boxing Looking for Commonwealth Success
Uganda’s boxing team, famously known as The Bombers, has a rich history at the Commonwealth Games.
Several generations of Ugandan boxers have achieved success on the Commonwealth stage, and the current squad will be hoping to continue that tradition. With strong contenders across various weight categories, boxing remains one of Uganda’s key medal opportunities.
Swimming and Para Swimming on the Rise
Uganda’s swimming team continues to grow in stature, with athletes gaining valuable experience at international competitions.
Among the standout names is Husnah Kukundakwe, one of Africa’s most celebrated para-swimmers. Her remarkable achievements have inspired a new generation of athletes and positioned her among Uganda’s strongest medal hopes.
Para Sports Continue to Inspire
Uganda’s para-athletes will compete in both para swimming and para powerlifting.
The nation has made significant progress in supporting athletes with disabilities, and Glasgow 2026 offers another platform for these competitors to showcase their talent on the world stage.
Para-athletes such as Denis Mbaziira will be looking to deliver memorable performances while inspiring millions back home.
Other Sports Representing Uganda
Uganda will also be represented in:
- 3×3 Basketball
- Track Cycling
- Judo
While these disciplines may not traditionally be associated with Uganda’s biggest medal hopes, they provide opportunities for athletes to gain international exposure and potentially cause surprises against higher-ranked opponents.
Can Uganda Improve on Previous Commonwealth Performances?
Uganda has enjoyed growing success at major international competitions over the past decade.
The country’s strength in distance running remains unquestioned, while improvements in netball, boxing, swimming, and para sports have broadened the nation’s medal prospects.
With a talented blend of experienced champions and ambitious newcomers, Glasgow 2026 could become one of Uganda’s most successful Commonwealth Games campaigns.
Endnote
Team Uganda travels to Glasgow carrying the hopes and dreams of millions of fans across the country.
Led by Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai, world champion Halimah Nakaayi, para-swimming star Husnah Kukundakwe, and several exciting young athletes, Uganda possesses a squad capable of competing with the very best in the Commonwealth.
As the Games approach, all eyes will be on Team Uganda as they seek to make history, win medals, and proudly represent the Pearl of Africa on one of sport’s grandest stages.
