Ugandan Para athletes edge closer to LA28 thanks to Sport for Mobility

Four Ugandan Para athletes with the aspiration of making the LA28 Paralympic Games edged closer to qualification earlier this year after competing internationally thanks to grants received from the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Sport for Mobility programme.

Having received Competition Support Grants from the IPC, the National Paralympic Committee of Uganda was able to send four athletes to February’s World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, UAE. For two athletes – Daniel Onega and Brian Rubangakene – it was their first time competing internationally and the competition provided an opportunity for them both to undergo international classification.

Competing against some of the world’s best, Rubangakene recorded personal bests of 11.89 in the 100m T47 and 52.92 in the 400m T47, times which were fractionally outside the Minimum Entry Standards for the Paralympic Games.

On his experience, Rubangakene, said: “Travelling to compete at the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix was a great opportunity for me. It was my first time travelling by air, which made the experience even more exciting and memorable.

“During the competition, I completed the international classification process and was confirmed in the T47 sport class. This was an important step in my development because it allows me to continue competing internationally with a confirmed class status. The competition helped me understand the level required and showed me that I need to continue working on my starts.

“Preparing for Dubai also changed my mindset. I became more positive, focused and confident in my abilities. My dream is to become a champion and make Uganda proud. I am grateful to the Competition Support Grant and the Uganda Paralympic Committee for giving me this opportunity.”

Rubangakene’s teammate Onega also set personal bests in the same races, recording times of 12.45 and 56.35 in the 100m and 400m T47 races respectively.

“Competing at the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix was my first experience on an international track. Although I initially felt anxious, the nervousness soon turned into excitement and determination,” reflected Onega.

“One of the most important outcomes of the trip was completing the international classification process and being confirmed in the T47 sport class. This has given me a clearer pathway to continue competing and developing at the international level.

“Dubai proved that I can handle the pressure at the international stage. I returned home more confident, focused and motivated to train harder. The international stage is no longer just a dream for me. It is the standard I am working towards,” Onega added.

In the javelin F46 event, Anna Harriet Anzoa threw a personal best of 30.77m to win a silver medal. Her distance ranks her 13th in the 2026 world rankings.

Anzoa said: “Competing at the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix was another important step in my journey as a young Para athlete. At 17 years old, I competed alongside older and more experienced athletes and won a silver medal.

“The competition helped me gain confidence, improve my international experience and understand what I need to do to continue progressing. I was also advised to add another event as I develop my abilities.

“Meeting athletes with different disabilities from around the world encouraged me to believe in myself. It reminded me that disability is not inability. I returned from Dubai more confident and determined to continue training and representing Uganda.”

Sprinter Prisca Aciro competed in the 100m, 200m and 400m T47 events, setting personal bests in the two shorter distances. In the 200m race she clocked 29.11 to win a bronze medal. Her time was just 0.81 seconds outside the Minimum Entry Standard for the Paralympic Games.

Aciro said: “Competing at the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix taught me that improvement in sport requires discipline, consistent training and hard work. The experience helped me understand that my greatest potential is in the 200m and 400m, and these are the events I will concentrate on as I continue developing.

“Returning home with a bronze medal and valuable international experience has encouraged me to work even harder. My dream is to become a champion, win more medals and make Uganda proud. I still believe in myself, and I am determined to keep training until I achieve my goals.”

Part of the IPC’s Sport for Mobility programme, product of a grant agreement with the Toyota Mobility Foundation, the Competition Support Grants initiative aims to support National Paralympic Committees in providing Para athletes with access to essential classification and competition opportunities improving their chances of Paralympic Games qualification.