KAMPALA: Uganda’s sports landscape flourished in 2024, delivering a string of memorable moments across multiple disciplines. From Olympic glory to historic milestones in football, the country’s athletes and teams demonstrated resilience, skill, and passion, solidifying Uganda’s reputation on the global stage.
Olympic Triumphs in Paris
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris kicked off the year with unforgettable performances by Uganda’s athletes. Joshua Cheptegei, already a global icon, elevated his legacy by clinching gold in the men’s 10,000 meters with a stunning Olympic record time of 26:43.14. His victory showed determination and dominance on the track.
Peruth Chemutai added to Uganda’s medal haul, claiming silver in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase while setting a new national record. These achievements highlighted Uganda’s growing prominence in athletics. Additionally, Uganda expanded its representation with a male cyclist in the road race events and a female rower securing a spot in the women’s single sculls, marking significant strides in cycling and rowing on the international stage.
Football: A Year of Milestones and Losses
The Uganda Cranes thrilled the nation by qualifying for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), their first appearance since 2019. The team finished second in their group with an impressive 13 points from six matches, including four wins. Their qualification was confirmed when South Sudan defeated Congo, ensuring Uganda’s spot on the continental stage. Preparations for AFCON were bolstered by the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) approval of the newly renovated Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as a host venue for home matches.
In youth football, the Uganda U17 team, known as the Cubs, made history by defeating Tanzania 2-1 in the CECAFA U17 tournament final at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium. The Cubs showcased their grit and potential, with Arafat Nkoola scoring the equalizer and James Bogere sealing the title with a dramatic 89th-minute winner.
Ugandan footballers also shone on the global stage. Travis Mutyaba, a gifted playmaker, joined FC Girondins de Bordeaux in France, signing a three-year contract. His move marked a significant step for Ugandan talent in European leagues. Denis Omed, a forward for Kitala FC, earned third place in the 2024 FIFA Puskás Awards, celebrating his extraordinary goal-scoring prowess. Omed also received nominations for the 2024 CAF Awards, solidifying his status as one of Uganda’s brightest stars.
The year also brought sorrow to the football fraternity with the sudden death of assistant referee Peter Kabugo during a Uganda Premier League match between SC Villa and UPDF FC. Kabugo collapsed in the 73rd minute, shortly after Villa’s fifth goal, and was pronounced dead before reaching the hospital. His passing deeply affected the football community, highlighting the need for enhanced health measures in the sport.
Adding to the challenges, veteran referee Ali Sabila announced his retirement after being excluded from FUFA’s list of FIFA-approved referees for 2024. Sabila criticized FUFA’s decisions, citing inconsistencies in their criteria for integrity, fitness, and performance. His departure marked the end of an era, as other referees, including Dick Okello and Joshua Duula, rose in prominence.
Netball: She Cranes Shine Despite Challenges
The She Cranes, Uganda’s national netball team, had a year filled with both victories and lessons. Their performance in the Africa Netball Cup was notable, as they reached the final but fell short against South Africa’s SPAR Proteas. Despite the loss, the team displayed remarkable growth and resilience, cementing their position as one of the continent’s elite teams.
The team’s global presence was further amplified by the transfer of Kadondi, a standout goal-defense player, to the Nottingham Forest Netball Club in the UK. Kadondi’s move to a top-tier league underscores the rising profile of Ugandan players on the international stage. Competing alongside seasoned talents like Jayda Pechova, Kadondi’s journey will serve as an inspiration for aspiring netball players back home.
Infrastructure: A Transformational Year for Sports Facilities
Uganda’s investment in sports infrastructure reached new heights in 2024, signaling a commitment to fostering talent and hosting world-class events.
The Hamz Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium reopened on April 25, 2024, after a $200 million renovation by Ham Enterprises. The state-of-the-art facility now boasts a 35,000-seat capacity, athletics tracks, basketball and boxing arenas, VIP lounges, and modern amenities. This stadium became the home ground for Express FC and URA FC and successfully hosted the CECAFA U17 tournament, where Uganda secured key wins against Burundi in two qualifiers.
Preparations for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania, gained momentum with the signing of major construction projects. The government awarded a contract to Egypt’s SAMCO National Construction Company to build the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City. Estimated at $129 million, this 20,000-seat stadium will include training facilities, a multi-sport indoor arena, and a host of modern amenities.
In addition, MS Summa, a Turkish construction company, began work on the Hoima Sports Stadium in Hoima City. With a budget of $130 million, this project includes a 20,000-seat capacity, a swimming pool, an indoor arena, and training pitches with a running track. Slated for completion by December 2025, the stadium is a key part of Uganda’s AFCON preparations, with 80% of the workforce sourced locally, highlighting the government’s commitment to community involvement.
The commissioning of the Teryet National High-Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa by President Yoweri Museveni marked another milestone in infrastructure development. Situated over 2,500 meters above sea level, the center is designed to provide optimal training conditions for athletes. It features an athletic track, artificial turf, a field track, hostel accommodations, and advanced equipment, positioning Uganda as a hub for athletic excellence.
Athletics: Ugandan Stars Shine Bright
Uganda continued its dominance in athletics with spectacular performances from its elite runners. Jacob Kiplimo defended his World Cross-Country Championship title in Belgrade, achieving three consecutive wins in the senior men’s race. This feat solidified Kiplimo’s status as one of the sport’s greats, making him the fourth man in history to achieve back-to-back victories in the event.
Meanwhile, Joshua Cheptegei, the Olympic gold medalist, added to his illustrious career by winning the New Delhi Half Marathon in India, setting a new course record. Cheptegei credited his triumph to courage and self-motivation, further establishing his legacy as one of Uganda’s all-time greatest athletes.
Reflections on a Remarkable Year
From the track to the football pitch, Uganda’s athletes and teams captured the nation’s imagination in 2024. While moments of triumph inspired hope and pride, challenges and losses reminded everyone of the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of competitive sports. With the foundation laid this year, Uganda looks forward to building on its sporting successes in 2025 and beyond.