Uganda’s historic run at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh continued to gather momentum on Wednesday night, as the nation’s athletes delivered performances that echoed determination, pride, and a growing sporting legacy.
The day belonged to Jesse Ssuubi Ssengonzi (OLY), whose explosive sprint in the 100m butterfly final earned Uganda yet another podium finish. The U.S.-based swimmer clocked 53.45 seconds, securing bronze behind Uzbekistan’s Eldorbek Usmonov (52.69) and Kazakhstan’s Adilbek Mussin (52.73).
Ssengonzi’s start was electric by the 50-meter mark, his split time of 24.72 seconds had him within touching distance of gold. Though the final surge went to his Asian rivals, the Ugandan’s powerful finish reaffirmed his class and consistency on the continental stage.
His bronze pushed Uganda’s medal tally to six, marking a major leap in the country’s best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games. Of the six, four medals have come from swimming, with Anna Gloria Muzito (OLY) leading the charge earlier in the week with two golds and one silver from Hungary, where she is based.
But Wednesday night also belonged to Uganda’s table tennis heroines Jemimah Nakawala and Judith Parvin Nangonzi. The teenage duo from Kibuli Secondary School etched their names into national history, becoming the first Ugandan table tennis team ever to win a medal at the Games.
Despite a spirited fight, the pair fell 1–3 to Iran’s experienced duo Shima Safaei and Neda Shahsavari, settling for bronze among the two third-placed sides. Their fearless display against seasoned opposition turned heads in Riyadh and inspired renewed optimism for the future of Ugandan table tennis.
Meanwhile, in the boxing ring, Alfred Ojok added to Uganda’s growing list of medalists after claiming bronze in the light-heavyweight (80kg) category, following a determined campaign that showcased both grit and promise.
With six medals across three sports swimming, table tennis, and boxing Uganda’s contingent has already surpassed expectations, turning the Riyadh edition into one of the nation’s most successful international outings in recent memory.
As the Games draw closer to conclusion, the red, black, and yellow flag continues to flutter proudly among the region’s sporting elite a sign that Ugandan athletes are not just participating anymore; they are competing, winning, and rewriting history.
