Uganda’s pipeline of young athletics talent continues to gather momentum after the third National Track and Field Trial delivered a fresh wave of qualifiers for the upcoming global stage.
A total of 11 athletes met the entry standards over the weekend, pushing the country’s tally to 25 qualifiers for the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026, a significant rise from the 14 athletes who had qualified during the first two trials held in March.
With the national championships climax set for June, that number is widely expected to climb even higher.
The championship itself will be staged from August 4–9 at Hayward Field, offering Uganda’s emerging stars a global platform to announce themselves.
Uganda Athletics President Domenic Otucet welcomed the growing depth within the junior ranks, describing it as a strong indicator of sustained international competitiveness.
“The number of good athletes in the U20 category is very big and very good for the future of athletics in the country,” Otucet noted.
“It confirms what we saw last year, where the biggest share of medals came from U20 athletes. These are the same athletes who will soon graduate to the senior ranks.”
He added that the federation is confident in the transition pipeline, emphasizing that the current generation is well-positioned to maintain Uganda’s status on the global athletics stage.
Earlier Qualifiers (1st & 2nd Trials – March 14 & 28, 2026)
Women
800m – Chebet Zumurah (2:08.16)
1500m – Chekwemoi Felister (4:15.39), Cherotwo Baskerine (5:15.98), Chekwemoi Brenda (4:21.39)
5000m – Cherop Charity (15:17.35), Yeko Bentalin (16:02.41)
Men
800m – Murungi Shafeak (1:48.37)
5000m – Cheptoyek Thomas (13:39.28), Kipyeko Dan (13:51.63), Ayeko Joshua (13:53.01), Kibet Michael (13:53.50), Kipyeko David (13:57.88), Kwemboi Ivan (13:58.48), Chemayek Solomon (14:02.00)
New Qualifiers (3rd Trial – April 11, 2026)
Women
3000m – Yeko Bentalin (8:57.07), Chekwemoi Felister (9:07.77), Chebet Peace (9:14.57), Chelimo Keren (9:18.86), Chelimo Rachael (9:23.41), Chebet Isella (9:24.19)
Men
3000m – Kipyeko Dan (7:54.95), Kibet Michael (8:00.07), Kwemboi Ivan (8:01.93), Cherotich Levi (8:02.03), Chemayek Solomon (8:02.94)
