Athletes Dine with IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach OLY at Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo

By Emmanuel Sekago

In a lifetime opportunity, Ugandan Olympians and other prominent athletes shared an evening with IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach OLY at the Commonwealth Resort Hotel in Munyonyo.

The gathering provided athletes with the chance to engage with Dr. Bach and Olympic Solidarity Director James McLeod, who answered questions and shared insights on the Olympic movement.

Dr. Bach also personally handed out OLY pins to all Olympians present, creating an atmosphere of excitement and pride.

The evening began with a cocktail reception where Ganzi Mugula, OLY, Uganda Olympians  Athletes’ Commission Chairman, introduced each Olympian and athlete. In an interview with Wallnetnews, Mugula praised the event, saying, “The event was a great success, with IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach OLY interacting with Olympians and athletes, strengthening the bond between them and the Olympic community.”

Among the Olympians in attendance were; Rosemary Musani Nyangweso, OLY (1972 Munich, 200m Athletics), Christine Kabanda (1976 Montreal – Africa’s boycotted Games), Moses Musonge, OLY (1988 Seoul, 4x100m Relay Athletics), Faridah Kyakutema, OLY (1988, 100m Athletics), Benjamin Longiross, OLY (1988 Seoul, Marathon), Mary Musoke, OLY (1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, Table Tennis), Paul Mutambuze, OLY (1996 Atlanta, Table Tennis), Julius Acon, OLY (1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 1500m Athletics), Dorcus Inzikuru, OLY (2004 Athens, 2012 London, 3000m Steeplechase Athletics), Ganzi Semu Mugula, OLY (2012 London, Team Captain, Swimming), Jamila Lunkuse Nsibambi, OLY (2012 London, 2016 Rio de Janeiro, Swimming), Halimah Nakaayi, OLY (2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo, 2024 Paris, 800m Athletics), Winnie Nanyondo, OLY (2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo, 2024 Paris, 800m, 1500m Athletics), Joshua Cheptegei, OLY (2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo, 2024 Paris, 5000m and 10,000m Athletics), Shida Leni, OLY (2020 Tokyo, 400m Athletics), Shadir Musa Bwogi, OLY (2020 Tokyo, Boxing – Welterweight), Catherine Nanziri, OLY (2020 Tokyo, Boxing – Flyweight) and Charles Kagimu, OLY (2024 Paris, Cycling – Men’s Road Race)

The event also hosted other notable athletes, including Ali Ngaimoko (Athletics), Michael Wokorach (Rugby), Peace Lekuru (Ladies 7s Captain), Jimmy Enabu (Basketball), Arnold Kisulo (Modern Pentathlon), Elijah Namunyu (Rowing), Hamdan Lutaaya (Weightlifting), Davis Niyoyita (Weightlifting), Joseph Ssebatindira (Under-11 Table Tennis World Champion), Fadhila Mohamed (Badminton), and Dennis Mbazira, PLY (Powerlifting).

In an interview with Wallnetnews, Moses Musonge, OLY shared his thoughts on meeting Dr. Bach, saying, “It was inspiring to meet the IOC President. It reaffirms the importance of the Olympic values and motivates us to mentor upcoming athletes in Uganda.”

The evening also emphasized the Game Connect Project, an initiative under the Olympic Refugee Foundation, using sport to bridge opportunities and promote well-being among refugee and host communities. This project aims to create inclusive environments and bring positive change through sports participation.

With smiles all around, the dinner symbolized unity and passion for sports in Uganda, with Dr. Bach’s visit inspiring athletes to continue promoting Olympism and pursue excellence.