Cheptegei, netballers kick-off Uganda’s CWG campaign

First in action will be swimmer Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza in the Men’s 50 butterfly heats from 5.30am Thursday, weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko, followed by squash player Ian Rukunya who takes on Fiji’s Stephen Henry in the round of 64, before African champions  Uganda take on netball favorites New Zealand from 11.30am.

Day-one for Uganda will also see badminton action, with mixed team play for Ugandans Shamim Bangi, Aisha Nakiyemba, Brian Kasirye and Edwin Ekiring against England, then in boxing, light welterweight Kavuma Ssemujju in the round of 32 from midday. Squash player Michael Kawooya will take on Junior Sauri of Papua New Guinea in the round of 64 and swimmer Avice Meya splashes in 50m women event.

Uganda’s history at Commonwealth games

Medal	Name	Games	Sport	Event
Gold	George Oywello	1962 Perth	Boxing	Heavyweight
Gold	James Odwori	1970 Edinburgh	Boxing	Light Flyweight
Gold	Mohamed Muruli	1970 Edinburgh	Boxing	Light Welterweight
Gold	Benson Masanda	1970 Edinburgh	Boxing	Heavyweight
Gold	Mohamed Muruli	1974 Christchurch	Boxing	Welterweight
Gold	Ayub Kalule	1974 Christchurch	Boxing	Lightweight
Gold	Justin Juuko	1990 Auckland	Boxing	Light Flyweight (– 48 kg)
Gold	Godfrey Nyakana	1990 Auckland	Boxing	Lightweight (– 60 kg)
Gold	Dorcus Inzikuru	2006 Melbourne	Athletics	3000m Steeplechase
Gold	Boniface Kiprop	2006 Melbourne	Athletics	10,000 metres
Gold	Moses Ndiema Kipsiro	2010 Delhi	Athletics	5,000 metres
Gold	Moses Ndiema Kipsiro	2010 Delhi	Athletics	10,000 metres
Gold	Moses Ndiema Kipsiro	2014 Glasgow	Athletics	10,000 metres
Silver	Patrick Etolu	1954 Vancouver	Athletics	High Jump
Silver	Thomas Kawere	1958 Cardiff	Boxing	Welterweight
Silver	Kesi Odongo	1962 Perth	Boxing	Lightweight
Silver	Leo Rwabwogo	1970 Edinburgh	Boxing	Flyweight
Silver	Deogratias Musoke	1970 Edinburgh	Boxing	Featherweight
Silver	William Koskei	1970 Edinburgh	Athletics	400 metres hurdles
Silver	Silver Ayoo	1974 Christchurch	Athletics	400 metres
Silver	James Odwori	1974 Christchurch	Boxing	Light Flyweight
Silver	Ali Rojo	1974 Christchurch	Boxing	Bantamweight
Silver	Shadrack Odhiambo	1974 Christchurch	Boxing	Featherweight
Silver	Ruth Kyalisima	1982 Brisbane	Athletics	400m Hurdles
Silver	Peter Rwamuhanda	1982 Brisbane	Athletics	400m Hurdles
Silver	Victor Byarugaba	1982 Brisbane	Boxing	Light Middleweight
Silver	Joseph Lubega	2002 Manchester	Boxing	Light Heavyweight
Silver	Mohamed Kayongo	2002 Manchester	Boxing	Light Welterweight

Uganda medals Commonwealth games

Cheptegei came close to gold at the World Championships 10,000m race last year, edged by Mo Farah in a tough final. He skipped his favourite 5000m race due to fatigue at the World Championships, and the schedule this time makes him a firm bet to do the double.

The double was achieved by Moses Kipsiro in Delhi in 2010, winning the 5000 and 10,000m gold.

Uganda has taken part in every Games since 1954 (with exception of 1978) and has this time sent a team of 69 to compete.

The contingent comprises boxers, badminton players, cyclists, swimmers, squash, rugby and netball players. Other disciplines are shooting, table tennis and weight lifting.

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Sport	Time	My Time	Venue		Event		Status
	11:23	4:23	Optus Aquatic Centre		Men’s 50m Butterfly Heat 1 UGA Ekirikubinza TIBATEMWA
	12:30	5:30	Oxenford Studios, Squash Crt 6		Men’s Singles Round of 64 UGA Ian RUKUNYA FIJ Stephen HENRY
	14:01	7:01	Carrara Sports Arena 2		Mixed Team Event Group Play Stage – Group C ENG England UGA Uganda
	14:30	7:30	Oxenford Studios, Squash Crt 4		Men’s Singles Round of 64 PNG Madako Junior SUARI UGA Michael KAWOOYA
	18:32	11:32	Gold Coast Conv & Exhib Centre		Women Pool B NZL New Zealand UGA Uganda
	19:32	12:32	Oxenford Studios – Boxing		Men’s 64kg Round of 32 ENG Luke McCORMACK UGA Kavuma SSEMUJJU

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