Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) president Dr Donald Rukare has challenged the country’s youth athletes to uphold discipline, integrity and respect as they prepare to represent Uganda at the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, reminding them that wearing the national flag comes with immense responsibility.

Addressing Team Uganda during their flag-off ceremony at Copper Chimney on Monday, Rukare urged the athletes to recognise that their participation extends beyond personal ambition and sporting achievement, as they will be carrying the hopes of more than 50 million Ugandans at a historic edition of the Games.

“When you look down onto your chest, on your right-hand side, you see the flag of Uganda. That means you are representing not only yourself, not only your disciplines, but the entire 50 million Ugandans,” Rukare said.

“Putting on that flag is not as simple as having qualified. You have earned it, but it also comes with immense privilege.”

The IV Summer Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, in Dakar, will be the first edition of the global youth sporting event to be held on African soil, giving the Ugandan contingent an opportunity to be part of a historic milestone for the continent.

Rukare described the athletes as pioneers, calling on them to use the occasion to showcase Uganda’s sporting potential while contributing to Africa’s growing presence on the international sporting stage.

“You guys are part of history. In a couple of days, it will be the first time the Youth Olympics are being held in Africa. In many ways, you are pioneers, and we need to go and showcase not only what Uganda can do, but what Africa can do,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda, the Ministry responsible for sports, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the partners supporting the team, acknowledging their contribution to youth sport and the country’s preparations for the Games.

Beyond the excitement of competing internationally, Rukare placed particular emphasis on the standards of conduct expected of the athletes and officials throughout their stay in Senegal.

He called on the young competitors to remain disciplined from the moment they leave Uganda, respect their coaches and team officials, and avoid any conduct that could undermine their participation or bring the country’s reputation into disrepute.

“Discipline. Respect. Listen to your coaches,” he stressed, while warning the athletes against safeguarding violations and reminding them that misconduct would attract sanctions.

Rukare also highlighted anti-doping as a critical area of responsibility, urging athletes to disclose any medication they were taking to the team’s medical personnel, regardless of how ordinary or harmless it might appear.

“If any of you is on any medication, please inform our medical team, even if it is aspirin,” he cautioned, adding that athletes should also be open about injuries rather than conceal them during the competition.

His message reflected the importance of protecting young athletes while ensuring that Uganda’s representatives compete fairly and within the rules governing international sport.

The UOC president further warned the team against competition manipulation and betting-related approaches, cautioning that athletes could be targeted by individuals seeking to influence the outcome of sporting contests.

He urged them to reject any offers of money intended to make them lose matches or compromise their performances, insisting that integrity must remain central to their participation.

Rukare also reminded the athletes that representing Uganda comes with the responsibility of returning home safely after the Games.

Drawing from the experience of Ugandan boxers who went missing following the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, he urged the young athletes to remain focused on their sporting assignments and avoid decisions that could jeopardise their safety or future.

He emphasised that the team’s mission was to compete, represent the country with pride and return home to continue developing their careers through their clubs and respective federations.

“We hope you all come back. There is no reason for you to disappear,” Rukare said, warning the athletes against attempting dangerous journeys in search of opportunities abroad.

He encouraged them to remember that their sporting careers could continue to grow at home, with the support of their clubs, federations and the wider sporting community.

Rukare finally congratulated all the athletes who qualified for the Games, noting that Uganda would be represented by 25 competitors across seven disciplines.

The delegation comprises 17 male and eight female athletes, alongside coaches, team officials and representatives of the National Olympic Committee and government.

He acknowledged the contribution of rugby to the composition of the squad, explaining that the sport had increased the number of male athletes in the contingent.

The UOC president also used the occasion to recognise the value of Uganda’s sporting legends, urging the young competitors to draw inspiration from those who had paved the way through their achievements on the international stage.

He reminded the athletes that qualification itself was an achievement, but their conduct and commitment would determine how they were remembered during and after the Games.

With Africa hosting the Games for the first time, Uganda’s young athletes will have an opportunity to make history, represent their country with distinction and inspire the next generation of sporting talent.

Rukare challenged them to give their best, respect the values of sport and return home having done Uganda proud.