The first group of athletes and officials have been flagged off on Thursday ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
The team, sent off by State Minister for Sports Hon Hamson Obua, will hence depart on Friday 18 June 2021 for pre games training camp in Izumisano, Osaka Japan.
The pre-Games training camp will allow the athletes to adjust to the climate and other conditions of Japan before the games get underway on 23 July 2021.
Three boxers – Flyweight Catherine Nanziri, Welterweight Shadir Musa Bwogi and Middleweight David Ssemujju – Weight lifter Julius Ssekitoleko and Swimmer Atuhaire Ambala were flagged off.
Swimmer Kirabo Namutebi will connect from Kazan Russia where she is currently.
Ambala, who will compete in the 100m freestyle, goes with a personal best of 58.39 and will later be joined by his coach Muzafa Muwanguzi after testing for Covid19.
Weightlifting coach Hakim Ssempereza, Boxing coaches Meddie Mulandi and Patrick Lihanda, are part of the travelling contingent.
National Council of Sports Assistant General Secretary David Katende leads the delegation.
Minister Obua asked the athletes to be disciplined, follow Covid19 protocols and wished them the best while in Japan.
Government has fully funded the trip but the athletes allowances were not out at the time of the flag off.
Team Uganda was initially set to arrive in Japan on Wednesday but the trip was delayed after travel arrangements were disrupted by Covid19.
The team is expected to arrive at Kansai Airport in Izumisano via Dubai.
Absa bank and Lato milk have been part of Uganda’s preparations for the prestigious games.
