Iconic long distance runners Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo will carry Uganda’s medal hopes at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Uganda Athletics Federation has confirmed a 21-man team that will represent the country at the event due August 19-27 2023 at the National Athletics Centre, in Budapest, Hungary.

The number 21 is an increment from the 17 that represented Uganda at the event last year in Eugen, Oregon, United States.

Then, Uganda finished 16th on the medal table after claiming three medals – Joshua Cheptegei won Gold (10,000) while Jacob Kiplimo (10,000) and Oscar Chelimo (5000) clinched bronze each.

All eyes will once again be on Cheptegei and Kiplimo who have several times brought enormous success.

Cheptegei is the reigning Olympic champion in the 5000 metres and silver medalist for the 10,000 metres.

He will double in Budapest after entering in 5000m and 10,000m.

Kiplimo, a world record holder for the half marathon and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic 10,000 metres bronze medallist, won gold medals for the 5000 metres and 10,000 m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

He will also double for 5000m and 10,000m, just like Cheptegei as per the list released by UAF.

Victor Kiplangat who won Marathon gold at Commonwealth games in Birmingham is also part of the team.

Halima Nakaayi who won gold in 800m at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Winnie Nanyondo, Stella Chesang, Peruth Chemutai who won gold in 3000m SC in Tokyo among others make an experienced Women side list.

Buzzing Youngster and sprinter Tarsis Orogot is another name to look out for on team Uganda after his brilliant exploits in the USA.

How has Uganda been Performing in Past Editions?

At 2019 Doha, Uganda finished a joint 9th after winning two medals, both gold by Joshua Cheptegei (10,000m) and Halimah Nakaayi (800m).

Cheptegei won Uganda’s only medal (Silver – 10,000m) at 2017 London, to finish 31st then

Uganda also won one medal – Solomon Mutai’s bronze in Marathon in Beijing 2015.

Uganda won one medal at 2013 Moscow – Stephen Kiprotich’s Marathon gold.

At 2011 in Daegu (Korea), Uganda finished without a single medal, despite taking 12 athletes at the games.

At 2009 in Berlin (Germany) – Uganda came back empty handed, having taken 12 athletes as well.

At 2007 in Osaka, Uganda won one medal – Moses Kipsiro clinching bronze at the 5000m behind Bernard Lagat (US) and Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya).

At 2005 in Helsinki (Finland), Uganda won one medal, Dorcus Inzikuru’s gold medal in the 3000m Steeplechase.

Nothing at 2003 in Paris, 2001 Edmonton and 1999 Seville.

Davis Kamoga won Uganda’s first ever medal at World Championships – Silver in 400m (National Record) – behind the great Michael Johnson (US) at the 1997 Athens.

Team Uganda To World Athletics Championships in Budapest

Women – Halima Nakaayi (800m), Winnie Nanyondo (1500m), Peruth Chemutai (3000m SC), Sarah Chelangat (5000m & 10,000m), Prisca Chesang (5000m), Stella Chesang (10,000m), Doreen Chesang (Marathon), Rebecca Chepetegei (Marathon), Mercyline Chelangat (Marathon)

Men – Tarsis Orogot (200m), Tom Dradriga (800m), Salim Abu Mayanja (1500m), Leonard Chemutai (3000m SC), Oscar Chelimo (5000m), Joshua Cheptegei (5000m, 10,000m), Jacob Kiplimo (5000m, 10,000m), Rogers Kibet (10,000m), Joel Ayeko (10,000m), Stephen Kissa (Marathon), Victor Kiplangat (Marathon), Andrew Rotich Kwemoi (Marathon)