Uganda embarks on King’s Baton Relay
Unity. L-R: CGA-U vice president Moses Mwase, Deputy High Commissioner of Britain to Uganda H.E Tiffany Kirlew, IOC Member William Blick, and the acting assistant general secretary (technical) NCS Sarah Chelangat pose with the Baton. PHOTO/DENISE NAMALE
What you need to know:
On Saturday, Uganda Athletics will welcome the Baton at Sipi Falls and the National High Altitude Centre in Teryet.
On Thursday, Uganda’s Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) introduced its King’s Baton to its members and the media at their offices in Lugogo.
The Relay is really the launch of the Commonwealth Games. In the past, the Queen’s Baton, which contained a message from the Queen, made a trip to participating countries until it reached the venue of the opening ceremony.
But this year, each of the 74 Commonwealth “nations and territories received their own baton” after King Charles III had officially inaugurated the King’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day (March 10).
“The Baton is engineered in Glasgow from sustainably sourced Scottish ash allowing each country to decorate them in their own style,” according to the association’s vice president (technical) Moses Mwase.
“This Relay transcends sport. It is a movement weaving together community pride, creative expression, and environmental responsibility,” Mwase said at the press briefing graced by the Deputy High Commissioner of Britain to Uganda H.E Tiffany Kirlew, the acting assistant general secretary (technical) of the National Council of Sports (NCS) Sarah Chelangat, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member William Blick, who said “Uganda loves the Games because they have brought us the most success.”
Chelangat underscored “NCS’ commitment to prepare athletes for the Games” while Kirlew paid tribute to the leadership at CGA and NCS for steering “a new era” of sports plus athletics legend Joshua Cheptegei, who “continues to inspire many Ugandans to dream big work hard and believe in their potential at a world stage.”
The itinerary
Uganda’s Baton, which was carried to the launch by boxer Kassim Murungi and runner-cum-rower Godfrey Wengo Chan, is in form of wood and in a bid to create community engagement, celebrate culture and creativity, and raise environmental awareness, it will embark on a short country tour before it leaves for Glasgow, the host city of the 23rd Commonwealth Games due July 23 to August 2.
“It is an honour and privilege for me to carry the Baton during this launch. I am inspired and hope that they can also make the Commonwealth Games,” Chan said.
On Saturday, Uganda Athletics will welcome the Baton at Sipi Falls and the National High Altitude Centre in Teryet.
On Sunday, swimmers competing in the Uganda Aquatics National Championships at Kampala Parents School, Naguru will spend the entire day with the Baton.
The Relay then goes to State House on Monday and then continues to the shores of Lake Victoria and Ggaba Landing Site on Tuesday morning. In the afternoon, the Baton will be displayed at the Rugby Africa Cup venue – Mandela Stadium Namboole before it leaves for Glasgow.
Uganda has competed in the Commonwealth Games since 1954, growing into a strong and consistent contender with 58 medals – 19 gold, 16 silver, and 23 bronze.
At the most recent Games in Birmingham (2022), Uganda fielded 72 athletes across 12 sports, achieving five medals; gold from Jacob Kiplimo (5,000 m and 10,000 m) and Victor Kiplangat (marathon). Peruth Chemutai (3000m steeplechase) and Teddy Nakimuli (boxing) secured bronze.
