Uganda’s Girl team ready to compete in Athletics at the ISF Games in Bahrain

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda is set to be represented by a team of five promising female athletes at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Games, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from October 23rd to 31st, 2024.

The talented group, all new faces to international school sports competitions, will compete in various track events, marking a significant milestone in their athletic careers.
Meet the Team:

Chekwemoi Felister – Chemnia High School; Competing in the 3000m event, Felister is one of Uganda’s rising long-distance runners. She has showcased her endurance and speed in domestic school competitions, and the ISF Games will be her debut on the world stage.

Mbabazi Peace – Old Kampala S.S; A sprinter specializing in the 200m and 400m events, Peace is expected to give a strong performance in Bahrain. Her speed and versatility in the short sprints have earned her a spot on the national team.

Awat Mary – Gombe Secondary School; Competing in both the 100m and 200m sprints, Mary is one to watch. The S.5 student, originally from Pader, has made a name for herself in national competitions, including winning multiple relay medals at the FEASSSA Games.

Abdallah Muhammed, her games teacher at Gombe Secondary, describes her as a “fast-developing sprints queen,” and she’s expected to make a big impact at the ISF Games. Mary has her sights set on future international competitions like the East Africa Under-20 and Africa Under-20 Track and Field Championships.

Chekwemoi Brenda – Chemwania High School; Competing in the 1,500m event, Brenda will be taking on middle-distance runners from across the globe. She brings determination and experience from local school competitions and hopes to translate that into success in Bahrain.

Ijorea Margaret Aza – St. Mary’s Kitende; A standout in the 800m, Ijorea has already proven her potential by winning two gold and one bronze medal at the National Schools Athletics Championships held at Teso College-Aloet in Soroti City, won medals at the FEASSA games held in Amus College School in 800m and 200m,  She is making history as the first athlete from St. Mary’s Kitende to represent Uganda in athletics at an international level.

Ijorea’s performance will be closely followed, especially since she is the daughter of Hon. Tom Aza Alero, the current Member of Parliament for West Moyo. According to Robert Kazibwe, a teacher at St. Mary’s Kitende, Ijorea’s participation is a source of pride for the school, and expectations are high for her performance in Bahrain, she is S.5 Arts student  also Games and Sports minister 2024-2025.

The team is under the capable guidance of Coach Justin Bayiga, a former sprinting star who once held Uganda’s national records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events. Now the coach of Old Kampala S.S and Police Athletics Club, Bayiga brings vast experience and expertise to the team.

His leadership will be crucial in helping these young athletes navigate their first international competition.
Coach Bayiga has been instrumental in nurturing the talent of this team, and his previous international experience will be invaluable as they prepare to compete on the global stage.

With such promising young athletes representing Uganda, all eyes will be on them as they take on some of the best school athletes from around the world in Bahrain. The ISF Games offer a unique opportunity for these girls to gain international exposure, and their performances could pave the way for future success in regional and continental competitions.

Ijorea Margaret Aza and Awat Mary, in particular, have already drawn attention for their impressive performances at the national level, and stakeholders are eager to see how they will fare in Bahrain.

According to Abdallah Muhammed, a Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) official and games teacher at Gombe Secondary School, Awat’s potential is enormous. “We have high expectations for her, and she is developing into a sprinting sensation,” he shared in an interview with Wallnet News.

As the countdown to the ISF Games begins, Uganda’s five-girl team is ready to make their mark and bring pride to their schools and country.