Sports in Uganda

Uganda has a rich sporting culture with several popular sports. Football (soccer) is extremely popular, with the national team, the Uganda Cranes, being a source of national pride. Athletics is also prominent, with Ugandan athletes excelling in long-distance running, especially in events like the Olympics and the World Championships.

Other sports that are popular in Uganda include rugby, basketball, boxing, and cricket. Rugby has been gaining popularity in recent years, with the national team, the Rugby Cranes, making significant strides in international competitions.

Joshua Cheptegei.

Cheptegei has set world records in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters disciplines, cementing his status as one of Uganda’s most successful and celebrated athletes.

Dorcus Inzikuru.

Inzikuru became Uganda’s first world champion in athletics when she won gold in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Stephen Kiprotich.

Kiprotich won Uganda’s first Olympic gold medal in athletics at the 2012 London Olympics in the men’s marathon.

Halimah Nakaayi.

Nakaayi won gold in the women’s 800 meters at the 2019 World Athletics Championships held in Doha, Qatar, securing Uganda’s first-ever gold medal at the championships.

The Uganda national basketball team, known as the Uganda Silverbacks, competes in international tournaments representing the country’s growing basketball prowess. With a roster of talented players from both domestic leagues and abroad, they aim to make their mark in African basketball, showcasing skill, determination, and the spirit of Ugandan basketball enthusiasts nationwide.

Upcoming Basketball Events

FIBA AfroBasket 2025.

Olympic Qualification.

Uganda National Netball team (She Cranes) has moved to sixth position in the latest rankings released by World Netball . This reflects the team’s steady progress in form on international stages based on their recent performances. She Cranes’ progress to the sixth sees them surpass Malawi in the rankings.

Commonwealth Games

Uganda competes against other Commonwealth nations for medals and recognition in netball, showcasing their talents and determination.

Netball World Cup

Uganda regularly competes in the Netball World Cup, aiming to compete against the world’s best teams and improve their global ranking.

Regional and Invitational Tournaments

Besides major international competitions, Uganda’s netball team participates in various regional and invitational tournaments.

Africa Netball Cup

Shecranes often participate in this tournament, competing against other African countries to assert their dominance and qualify for global competitions.

The Uganda national football team, known as the Uganda Cranes, is the pride of Ugandan football. Established in 1926, the team competes in international tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers. Known for their passionate fanbase and dedicated players, the Uganda Cranes symbolize the country’s football ambitions, aiming to achieve success on the continental and global stage while inspiring generations of footballers across Uganda.

Upcoming football Events

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026.