ALGIERS, Algeria — Uganda’s Precious Allan Asiimwe has made history after winning gold in the Para Recurve category at the African Archery Championships in Algeria, becoming the country’s first African champion in the sport.
Asiimwe secured the continental title after defeating Algeria’s Izri Abdelkader, a world number 29-ranked archer, in a thrilling final that went down to a decisive shoot-off.
The closely contested match was tied through the sets, forcing a sixth-set shoot-off to determine the champion. Under immense pressure, Asiimwe kept his composure and delivered a 9-point shot, while Abdelkader managed 7 points, handing the Ugandan the gold medal.
The victory marked a remarkable rise for Asiimwe, who has reached the peak of para archery barely a year after taking up the discipline.
Uganda Archery said the triumph was a result of talent, dedication and increased international support that has helped improve the country’s capacity in the sport.
Ahead of the championship, Asiimwe trained alongside coach Aisha Namukwaya at a World Archery/Olympic Solidarity training course in Morocco, where he gained technical knowledge and experience that contributed to his success in Algeria.
His gold medal performance was also achieved using a Fivics bow donated to Uganda Archery by World Archery last year, highlighting the impact of equipment support in developing Ugandan athletes.
After claiming the title, Asiimwe shared his experience with World Archery President Greg Easton, explaining how the final unfolded and describing the match as one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Uganda’s delegation at the African Championships included Asiimwe and Bashir Mutyaba in Para Recurve, Shiloh Kamukama Ayebare in the Under-18 Recurve category, coach Aisha Namukwaya, team manager and Uganda Archery Vice President Sula Blick, and Lillian Muhangi, who supported the team as manager and parent.
The Uganda Archery team thanked World Archery, World Archery Africa, the Uganda Paralympic Committee, and the Uganda Olympic Committee for their continued support towards the growth of the sport.
Asiimwe’s victory adds another milestone to Uganda’s growing achievements in international para sports and places archery among the country’s emerging competitive disciplines on the African continent.