Team Uganda was officially flagged off for the 46th World Cross-country championships which are set to take place on 10th January 2026, in Tallahassee, USA.

The team was officially flagged off by National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary, Dr. Benard Patrick Ogwel on 5^th January, at Lugogo.

In his speech, he stressed the government’s support towards sport’s development and infrastructure.

He also hinted on the plans for the John Akii Bua Stadium.

“Our [government] target is that by September, the Akii Bua Stadium is done.”

Ogwel encouraged the athletes to work hard so that they can be at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“I want to see you all at the Olympics in Los Angeles and I urge you to use these events [cross-country championships] as preparation of LA.”

The team is comprised of 26 athletes and 4 officials and these have been in an intensive residential camp in Kapchorwa that lasted over a month.

The task ahead is to improve on Uganda’s medal tally from the five that were won in the last edition in Belgrade, Serbia.

Uganda’s biggest medal hopeful will be the Team Captain Jacob Kiplimo. Kiplimo has won the last 2 editions and will be looking to win his third title in a row.

In the last edition, Kiplimo was the only one to win an individual gold for team Uganda.

However, the Men’s team managed to clinch Silver while the ladies won Bronze.

Teams

Senior Men: 10km

1. Jacob Kiplimo
2. Chelimo Dolphine
3. Kibet Dan
4. Kibet Emmanuel
5. Kiprop Kenneth
6. Musobo Deogracious

Senior Women:10km

1. Chelangat Sarah
2. Chelangat Rebecca
3. Chemusto Keren
4. Chemutai Martha
5. Cheptoyek Joy
6. Cherop Rispa

Under U20 Men:8 km

1. Andiema Solomon
2. Chelogoi Kiptrotich Daniel
3. Cherotich Abraham
4. Kipyeko Dan
5. Kwemoi Jeremiah

Under 30 Women: 6 km

1. Chebet Peace
2. Chekwemoi Felister
3. Chekwurui Nancy
4. Cherop Charity
5. Yeko Bentalin

Mixed Relay: 2km each

1. Chemutai Silas
2. Comboni Daniel
3. Chekwemoi Brenda
4. Chelangat Sylvia

OFFICIALS

1. Benjamin Njia- Team Leader
2. Immaculate Chemutai- Coach
3. Jimmy Adar- Coach
4. Peter Chelangat- Coach

Uganda will also be having Beatrice Ayikoru, the General secretary of Uganda Athletics, work as a Technical Delegate for the World Cross Country Championships.