Overview of the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia
The sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games is currently taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday in Riyadh. This event brings together athletes from 57 nations across 21 sports, with over 3,000 competitors participating. The Games represent a significant moment for the region, showcasing not only athletic prowess but also the cultural and sporting values that unite the Islamic world.
Fahad Bin Jalawi Al-Saud, chairman of the Games, emphasized the importance of this event in strengthening solidarity and understanding through sport. “As we welcome NOCs (National Olympic Committees) from across the Islamic world to Riyadh 2025, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to strengthening the bonds of solidarity and understanding through sport,” he stated. He added that the return of the Games to Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s dedication to fostering a world-class sporting environment that highlights its rich heritage, progress, and global leadership.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Games, Saudi Arabia remains a country governed by strict laws. The Public Decency Law, introduced in 2019, outlines 19 offenses related to public behavior, including littering, unauthorized photography, indecent clothing, verbal or physical harassment, graffiti, and queue jumping. These rules apply even during sporting events, where athletes are under close scrutiny.
Team Uganda’s chef de mission, Sadiq Nassiwu, warned athletes about the strict regulations in Saudi Arabia. “Saudi Arabia is a strict country, but as long as we keep the etiquettes, it is the place to be,” he said. He highlighted that alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, and violations can result in severe consequences, including being banned from returning home. “Don’t carry someone’s bag. Carry only your bag, even your teammate. This is life and death,” he added.
Athletes’ Experiences and Challenges
Ugandan athletes competing in the Games are navigating these challenges while representing their country on an international stage. The team consists of 39 athletes across seven disciplines, including boxing, athletics, aquatics, and more. However, some athletes faced setbacks. Two boxers, Fatuma Nabikolo and Angel Katushabe, were ejected after failing to complete the mandatory Gender Eligibility Tests. According to Bombers’ coach Samuel Kabugo, there was a miscommunication between the global and local federations. Nevertheless, the team has two male boxers ready to compete: Alfred Ojok (80kg) and Jimmy Adriko (60kg).
Here are the upcoming matches for Ugandan boxers:
Boxing – Saturday (Quarterfinals)
-
Men’s 60kg:
Jimmy Adriko (UGA) vs. Mahammadali Gasimzade (AZE) -
Men’s 80kg:
Alfred Ojok (UGA) vs. Mohammad Nourani (IRN)
Team Uganda’s Participation in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games
Team Uganda is represented in multiple sports, including:
Aquatics
- Gloria Muzito (100m & 50m freestyle, 4×100 mixed freestyle relay)
- Jesse Ssengonzi Ssuubi (50m butterfly, 4x100m freestyle relay)
- Tendo Mukalazi (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 4×100 mixed freestyle relay)
- Tara Ann Mary Kisawuzi Naluwoza (50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 100m and 50m freestyle, 4×100 mixed freestyle relay)
Athletics
- Shida Leni, Malvine Akwenyi & Maureen Akiiki Banura (400m & 4x400m Relay)
- Halimah Nakaayi (800m & 4x400m Relay)
- Knight Aciru (1500m)
- Charity Cherop (5000m)
- Risper Cherop (5000m)
- Annet Chemengich Chelangat (10,000m)
- Rebecca Chelengat (10,000m)
- Josephine Lalam (Javelin)
- Godfrey Chan-wengo, Haron Adoli, Kenneth Omuka (400m & 4x400m Relay)
- Tom Dradiga (800m, 4x400m Relay)
- Leonard Chemutai (3000m Steeplechase)
- Samuel Simba Cherop (5000m)
- Abel Chebet (10,000m)
Boxing
- Alfred Ojok (80kg), Jimmy Adriko (60kg), Angel Katushabe (51kg), Fatuma Nabikolo (57kg)
Para Powerlifting
- Dennis Mbaziira
Table Tennis
- Jemimah Nakawala, Judith Mirembe, Judith Parvin Nangonzi, Joseph Sebatindira, Joshua Magaya, Jonathan Senyonga
Weightlifting
- Aisha Namataka (86kg), Steven Ojede (94kg), Figo Faluku Kyambadde (65kg), Davis Niyoyita (60kg)
Wrestling
- Veronica Ayo (57kg), Rebecca Israel Amongi (62kg), Rodger Mukyeda (74kg)
Key Officials
- Zaid Sadik Nasiwu (Chef de mission)
- Muhammed Baale Waladde (Deputy CDM)
- Jonathan Wangolo (Administrative Personnel)
- Ivan Mugowa (Administrative Personnel)
- Priscilah Ondoga (Physiotherapist)
- Leonard Francis Were (Team Doctor)
- David Isabirye (Team Media Attache)
- Miriam Mirembe Nalubega (Physiotherapist)
Uganda’s Medal History at the Islamic Solidarity Games
- 2005 Mecca:Boniface Kiprop (10,000 Metres Bronze)
- 2017 Baku:Halimah Nakaayi (800 Metres Silver)
- 2021 Konya:
- Abel Chebet (5000 Metres Silver & 10,000 Metres Gold)
- Kirabo Namutebi (50 Metres Freestyle Silver)
- Husnah Kukundakwe (100 Metres Breaststroke SB4-SB9 Gold, 200 Metres Individual Medley SM5-SM10 Gold, 50 Metres Freestyle S4-S10, 400 Metres Freestyle S6-S10 Silver, 100 Metres Backstroke S6-S10 Silver, 100 Metres Freestyle S4-S10 Bronze)