Uganda’s Para Athletics team began 2026 with determination, pride, and outstanding performances at the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix, also known as the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Championships.
Held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 5th to 14th February 2026, this annual event brought together elite Para athletes from around the world to compete, improve rankings, secure qualification opportunities, and strengthen their international standing.
For Uganda, the championship was not only about medals- it was about athlete development, global exposure, and building a stronger pathway toward future World Championships and Paralympic success.
Team Uganda’s Journey to Dubai
The Uganda Paralympic Committee sent a delegation of 10 members, including:
- 8 Athletes
- 1 Coach
- 1 Team Manager
The team departed Uganda on 5th February 2026 and returned on 14th February after representing the country on one of the world’s leading Para athletics stages.
Importantly, Uganda’s participation was further strengthened through the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Sport for Mobility programme, which supported four Ugandan athletes and one coach with competition assistance. The IPC’s Sport for Mobility initiative, funded through the Toyota Mobility Foundation, helps expand access to competition, athlete development, and international opportunities for emerging National Paralympic Committees.
https://www.toyotamobilityfoundation.org/en/press-room/pressrelease11012024
Why the Dubai Grand Prix Matters
The Fazza International Para Athletics Championships is globally recognized as one of the premier events in Para athletics. It provides:
- International athlete classification and sport class confirmation
- Opportunities to improve world rankings
- Qualification pathways for major championships
- Elite-level international competition experience
For Uganda, participation aligned directly with long-term goals of improving athlete performance, enhancing global competitiveness, and preparing for future major competitions.
Uganda’s Athletes on the International Stage
Uganda fielded athletes across sprinting, middle-distance racing, javelin, and wheelchair racing, showcasing the country’s growing talent pool.
Uganda’s Medal Haul: Five Medals on the Global Stage
By the end of the championships, Uganda proudly returned home with:
- 2 Silver Medals
- 3 Bronze Medals
Standout Ugandan Performers
Opio Daniel (T12)
Opio delivered one of Uganda’s strongest performances:
- Silver Medal – 1500M
- 4th Place – 5000M
His silver medal was a major highlight and reinforced Uganda’s competitiveness in middle-distance Para athletics.
Ilalo Monica (T13)
Monica demonstrated exceptional versatility:
- Silver Medal
- Bronze Medal
Her strong performances across multiple events highlighted her value as one of Uganda’s promising Para athletes.
Anzoa Anna Harriet (T46)
Anna secured:
- Silver Medal – Javelin
Her achievement strengthened Uganda’s field event profile and added to the team’s medal count.
Aciro Prisca (T47)
Prisca earned:
- Two Bronze Medals
Her success added further momentum to Uganda’s sprint program.
This impressive medal tally reflected both individual athlete excellence and the continued progress of Uganda’s Para athletics programme.
More Than Medals: Building Uganda’s High-Performance Pathway
The Dubai Grand Prix provided Uganda with much more than podium finishes.
Participation allowed:
- Athlete classification and confirmation in line with international standards
- Performance benchmarking against world-class competition
- Ranking improvement opportunities
- Technical assessment for future competitions
This event also gave Uganda’s technical team valuable insight into athlete strengths, event specialization, and long-term development needs.
The Role of IPC’s Sport for Mobility Support
Uganda’s participation in Dubai was significantly boosted by the IPC’s Sport for Mobility project, a transformative initiative designed to support athletes, coaches, and National Paralympic Committees through competition grants, technical development, and broader access to elite sport opportunities. Backed by the Toyota Mobility Foundation, this programme is helping strengthen Para sport ecosystems globally from grassroots to high performance.
https://www.toyotamobilityfoundation.org/en/press-room/pressrelease11012024
This support reflects the growing recognition of Uganda’s potential within the international Paralympic movement.
Looking Ahead
Uganda’s participation in the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix marked another important milestone in the country’s Paralympic journey.
From medal-winning performances to international exposure and athlete support, Team Uganda demonstrated resilience, growth, and ambition on the global stage.
With continued investment, stronger preparation, and support through initiatives like IPC’s Sport for Mobility programme, Uganda’s Para athletes are steadily positioning themselves for even greater achievements in future World Championships and Paralympic competitions.
Dubai 2026 was not just another competition—it was a clear sign that Uganda’s Paralympic movement is rising.
Useful links and News paper articles
