The 2024 Paris Olympic Games come to an end: Uganda’s performance raises concerns

By Emmanuel Sekago

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games officially come to an end today, after more than two weeks of thrilling and action-packed sport. The closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 11th, at the iconic Stade de France, a venue that has seen unforgettable moments in athletics and rugby sevens during the Games.

The stadium will be alive with artists, dancers, acrobats, and surprise performers, all coming together to celebrate the end of this year’s Olympics and to look ahead to the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Despite Uganda’s success in winning gold in the men’s 10,000m and silver in the women’s steeplechase, the overall performance at this year’s Olympics has been one of the worst for the nation.

The achievements of ASP Joshua Cheptegei and IP Peruth Chemutai were bright spots, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination.

However, these successes were isolated and could not mask the broader disappointment felt across the country.
With only two medals secured, Uganda’s tally was far below expectations.

The nation had hoped for a more substantial haul, with several athletes entering the Games with strong potential to medal in their respective events.

Several athletes entered the Olympics with strong potential for medals but fell short in their respective events. Whether due to injuries, tactical errors, or simply being outperformed, Uganda missed out on key opportunities to expand its medal haul.

Compared to previous Olympic outings, where Uganda had a more balanced and successful performance, this year’s outcome has highlighted significant gaps in the country’s sports development and support systems, The performance raises questions about the preparation and support provided to the athletes in the lead-up to the Olympics.

Issues such as inadequate training facilities, limited international exposure, and insufficient financial backing have likely contributed to the underperformance and It is high time the Ugandan government takes a serious interest in understanding and addressing the reasons behind this poor performance.

The government, in collaboration with the Uganda Olympic Committee and other stakeholders, should conduct a thorough review of the preparations, resources, and support provided to athletes in the lead-up to the Olympics.

There is an urgent need for greater investment in sports development, including better training facilities, access to top-level coaching, and comprehensive support systems for athletes.

A long-term strategy should be developed to nurture young talent and ensure that Uganda has a strong and competitive team ready for future international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony, Uganda must reflect on its performance and take decisive action to improve.

The successes of Cheptegei and Chemutai should inspire the nation, but they also underscore the need for a more robust approach to sports development. With the right focus and investment, Uganda can turn this setback into a stepping stone towards a brighter future in international sports.