Uganda Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare says the successful Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games proved Africa can host major international sporting events.
Rukare described the Games as a proof of concept for the continent's organisational capacity.
He highlighted Senegal's transport, accommodation, facilities and volunteer management as key highlights.
Uganda sent 25 athletes across seven sports disciplines to the Games in Senegal.
The contingent won three bronze medals, all in athletics events.
Timothy claimed bronze in the 800 metres while Karen added another in the 2,000 metres steeplechase.
Michael completed Uganda's medal haul with bronze in the 3,000 metres.
Rukare said the performances and exposure offered a glimpse into Uganda's future sporting prospects.
He highlighted Uganda's qualification of a team sport for the first time at an Olympic event.
Rukare called for a deliberate approach to nurturing young talent through sustainable development programmes.
He stressed the importance of investing in school sport after observing strong school-to-elite pathways in Australia, the United States and Egypt.
Uganda must strengthen that foundation by creating a clearer progression from schools to clubs and national teams.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether national federations can coordinate closely enough with the Ministry of Education to build that pipeline before the next continental cycle.
Uganda's next focus shifts to qualifying more team sports for future Olympic events.
Source: Kawowo Sports
