Rising beyond borders: young refugees in Uganda aim for Dakar 2026

Young athletes chasing an Olympic dream

When the creation of a Youth Refugee Olympic Team for Dakar 2026 was announced, the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) began identifying young athletes with the potential to represent the team through its community programme in Uganda, Game Connect.

Overall, 34 young athletes have been chosen to receive support through Olympic Solidarity with the aim of being chosen for the team that will compete at Dakar 2026. Among them are 12 refugees in Uganda, including Emmanuel, 16, who has been participating in Game Connect since 2025, and Aline, 15, who has been living in Uganda since 2013 and joined the programme last year, both of whom were both forced to flee the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“When I was informed of my selection, I felt immense joy,” said Emmanuel, a 100m runner. “I perceive it as an opportunity not only for myself, but also to bring pride to my family and community.” Focused on Dakar 2026 and dreaming of a future as a professional footballer, he hopes one day to inspire other young people who share a similar background.

Aline first fell in love with football, before discovering her talent in the 200m. “I was very happy when I was chosen,” she explained with a smile. “I felt excited because I will compete, make new friends from different places, and demonstrate my abilities.”

After years of playing informally in her village, through Game Connect she now trains within a structured athletics environment, an opportunity she embraces with determination.

Looking ahead, Aline aspires to become a professional sports trainer to support other young people, particularly those deprived of opportunities in their youth. Asked to describe her life in one word, she answered confidently: “Forward.”

The 12 athletes were identified after a number of trials held in Uganda across the refugee settlements of Adjumani, Kyangwali and Rwamwanja, as well as in Kampala. The exact composition of the Youth Refugee Olympic Team will be determined later this year, ahead of Dakar 2026 (31 October – 13 November), and will be decided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Executive Board.

The athletes in Uganda are supported by the Olympic Refuge Foundation in partnership with World Athletics, the Uganda Olympic Committee, Uganda Athletics and Game Connect.

From Game Connect to Community Impact: how Otim Ambrose is empowering Uganda’s Youth

Game Connect is ensuring young people create opportunities far beyond sports and the field of play. This is highlighted by Otim Ambrose, an IOC Young Leader from Uganda who is committed to using sport to create opportunities for young people in vulnerable communities.

Otim participated in the Game Connect programme, and this experience strengthened his belief in sport as a tool for empowerment and continues to influence his work today.

His Play Pure initiative, supported through the IOC Young Leaders programme, delivers football, netball and other team activities to promote healthier lifestyles and social inclusion for children and youth aged 6-25 living in vulnerable communities. The project offers them safe spaces and aims to prevent them from engaging in negative behaviours.

“Sport changed my life. It gave me purpose. I want to help young people in my community choose a different path, one built on fair play and hope for the future,” said Otim.

Opeje, one of the participants, commented: “Before joining Play Pure, I didn’t really have direction, and I was easily influenced by negative habits such as drug use in my community. But through the sessions I have learned discipline, respect, teamwork and how to make better choices. Now I feel more focused, more confident and empowered about my future.”

About Game Connect

Uganda hosts nearly two million refugees – Africa’s largest refugee population – and since 2020 has been home to the ORF’s Game Connect programme.

Through sport-based activities, Game Connect helps displaced young people aged 15-24 build life skills, develop social connections and access safe, supportive spaces, aiming to improve participants’ mental health and overall well-being. More than 28,000 young people have participated in the programme, and more than 200 coaches have been trained to date.

The programme’s impact can be seen not only among the athletes now preparing for Dakar 2026, but also among the thousands of young people supported and the young leaders shaping their communities far beyond the field of play. And as the world reflects on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, their journeys show the powerful role sport can play in building more inclusive and resilient communities.