GAPS programme boosts Uganda Para-Powerlifting team ahead of Commonwealth Games

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda’s para-powerlifting team has completed the Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain (GAPS) Commonwealth Sport development programme in Scotland, giving the athletes a significant boost ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The programme is designed to equip emerging para-athletes and coaches with elite-level training, athlete classification support and competition preparation while reducing barriers to high-performance sport, particularly for participants from developing nations.

The Uganda three para-powerlifters led by team captain Denis Mbaziira. Mbaziira and Rebecca Zawedde are among the athletes who directly benefited from the GAPS initiative, while Janet Nakayobyo is expected to join the team this week ahead of competition.

Team coach Kenneth Ssekiranda said the programme has played a key role in preparing the athletes for the global stage.

“The GAPS programme has helped our athletes improve technically and mentally. It has also exposed them to the standards required to compete at the highest level,” Ssekiranda said.

He expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

“Our preparations have gone well, and we believe the athletes are ready to represent Uganda with confidence and determination,” he added.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially begin this Thursday, with the opening ceremony set to be staged indoors for the first time at the OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. Uganda’s para-powerlifters will be hoping to translate the valuable experience gained through the GAPS programme into strong performances on the Commonwealth stage.