Uganda is an increasingly active player in African and international sports. The country has a strong tradition in athletics, particularly long-distance running, with athletes like Joshua Cheptegei and Stephen Kiprotich achieving global success. These victories have boosted national pride and increased government and private investment in sports infrastructure.
Football is the most popular sport, with the national team, the Uganda Cranes, regularly competing in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, there are ongoing debates around funding, management, and youth development, which limit Uganda’s ability to compete consistently at the highest level. Rugby is also growing in popularity, and Uganda has been a strong presence in regional sevens tournaments.
Basketball, boxing, and netball—especially the women’s national team—are gaining prominence. However, sports in Uganda still face challenges like limited facilities, political interference, and inconsistent