The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) and Commonwealth Games Uganda (CGU) basked in the glow of a year marked by achievement, resilience, and bold ambition. From the roar of victory at the Paris Olympic Games to groundbreaking environmental initiatives, the UOC’s narrative was one of soaring dreams and unwavering determination. With 98% of its strategic goals accomplished, the UOC exemplified what it means to blend grit with vision.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games were a crowning moment for Uganda, where the golden stride of Joshua Cheptegei in the 10,000m and the silver glory of Peruth Chemutai in the 3000m steeplechase illuminated the global stage. At the Africa Games in Ghana, Uganda’s athletic warriors brought home 20 medals, standing proud as the 13th-ranked nation among 54 competitors. But the UOC didn’t stop at athletic feats—it also laid the foundation for one of the world’s largest Olympic Forests, a 1500-acre testament to the power of sports in driving environmental stewardship. “We’re not just chasing medals; we’re planting seeds for a sustainable future,” said Dr. Donald Rukare, the visionary UOC president.

Yet, 2024 was not without its trials. Government funding, heavily skewed toward football preparations for CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027, left other sports grappling for resources. The UOC also faced the delicate task of aligning with the International Olympic Committee’s mandate to exclude the Uganda Boxing Federation due to its affiliation with the now-discredited International Boxing Association (IBA). “Adherence to global standards is non-negotiable. While the situation is complex, we must uphold the integrity of the Olympic family,” Dr. Rukare remarked with conviction.
As 2025 dawns, the UOC is poised to write an even bolder chapter. Plans to expand partnerships with corporate and international stakeholders, advocate for equitable sports funding, and intensify grassroots capacity building are in motion. Amidst it all, the UOC remains steadfast in its mission to elevate Uganda’s sporting legacy. “The road ahead may be winding, but with every step, we inch closer to greatness. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of Ugandan sports shines brighter than ever,” Dr. Rukare concluded, extending his gratitude to the government, federations, and collaborators who have fueled this extraordinary journey.
With audacious goals and an unyielding spirit, the UOC promises that 2025 will not just be a year—it will be a statement.
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