Uganda’s sports sector is celebrating a week of exceptional achievement as Team Uganda athletes returned from the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh with an impressive 13 medals, while 16-year-old Marcel Otim made history by winning the country’s first-ever international rowing medal at the Commonwealth Rowing Beach Sprints in Barbados.
The Ugandan contingent from athletics, wrestling and para-powerlifting arrived in Kampala on Friday after a strong showing at the Games held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Uganda secured a total of 3 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze medals, marking one of the country’s best performances at the Islamic Solidarity Games.
Earlier updates from the athletics team had confirmed 7 medals in track and field alone—1 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze—highlighting the depth of talent and growing competitiveness of Uganda’s athletes on the international stage.
Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) officials commended the athletes for their resilience and strong representation of the country, noting that the medal haul reflects both improved preparation and the commitment of the teams across the different disciplines.
Otim, 16, makes rowing history
In a separate historic feat, Uganda registered a breakthrough moment in rowing—a sport in which the country has had limited international presence.
Sixteen-year-old Marcel Otim stunned the global rowing community with a bronze medal in the Junior Men’s Solo category at the Commonwealth Rowing Beach Sprints in Barbados. The medal is Uganda’s first-ever in an international rowing competition.
According to the Uganda Olympic Committee, Otim displayed “unmatched grit and heart” as he battled through strong waves to secure the podium finish against seasoned competitors from traditional rowing nations.
“History made by a 16-year-old,” the UOC announced. “Marcel Otim delivered a powerful performance to win Uganda’s first-ever international rowing medal. Uganda is proud.”
Sports analysts have described Otim’s achievement as a landmark moment that could spark new interest and investment in Uganda’s rowing development pathways.
The dual victories—Uganda’s 13-medal triumph in Riyadh and Otim’s historic bronze in Barbados—signal a rising momentum in Uganda’s sports fraternity as athletes continue to excel across new and diverse international platforms.
