Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has officially announced that the National Cross-Country Championships will take place on November 15, 2025, in Tororo District.
According to Paul Okello, the UAF organizing secretary, the championship will serve as the main selection event for Uganda’s national team that will represent the country at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships.
The global competition is scheduled for January 10, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
Okello said the event will attract top runners from across the country, including elite athletes, clubs, and university teams.
He noted that performances at this championship will determine who earns a place on the national squad.
“We expect a very competitive race because everyone wants to make the team for the World Championships,” Okello said. “Uganda has been performing well internationally, and we want to send a strong team that can win medals again.”
The UAF is working closely with local authorities and sponsors to ensure the event runs smoothly, with proper facilities and safety measures for both athletes and fans.
In recent years, Uganda has produced some of the world’s best cross-country runners, including Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei, who have won gold medals in previous international events.
The upcoming championship will therefore be a major test for the next generation of Ugandan athletes seeking to follow in their footsteps.
The competition will include junior, senior, and mixed relay categories, with runners expected to face challenging terrain designed to test endurance and speed.
Sports analysts say hosting the national event will not only boost Uganda’s preparations for the world stage but also promote athletics development in different regions of the country.
“This championship will help us identify new talent from all corners of Uganda,” Okello added. “We are also encouraging schools and clubs to send young athletes so we can build for the future.”
The 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Florida will mark Uganda’s next big opportunity to showcase its dominance in long-distance running — and the national trials in November will decide who gets that honor.
