Uganda has won its first-ever gold medal at the African Archery Championships after para archer Precious Allan Asiimwe claimed the men’s Para Recurve title at the 15th edition of the continental competition in Oran, Algeria.
The historic triumph makes Asiimwe Uganda’s first African champion in archery and marks a major milestone for the country’s growing para sports movement.
Asiimwe secured the title after defeating Algeria’s Izri Abdelkader, the world number 29, in a gripping final that was decided by a shoot-off. The Ugandan held his nerve in the decisive sixth set, shooting a nine against Abdelkader’s seven to clinch the continental crown on his debut appearance at the African Championships.
Speaking after his victory, an emotional Asiimwe described the achievement as a dream come true and dedicated the medal to Uganda and everyone who supported his journey into archery.
“I am grateful to God, my coaches, teammates and everyone who believed in me. Winning my first African Championship gold means a lot to me and to Uganda. I hope this achievement inspires more persons with disabilities to take up archery and believe that they can compete at the highest level,” Asiimwe said.
Uganda Archery vice president Sula Blick described the victory as a landmark moment for both the athlete and the country.
“Massive congratulations to Precious Allan Asiimwe on winning gold at his first African Championships. What an incredible debut and a proud moment for Uganda. This is only the beginning of what promises to be an amazing journey,” Blick said.
The final was widely regarded as one of the most competitive contests of the tournament, with both archers evenly matched before Asiimwe delivered under pressure in the shoot-off.
The feat is even more remarkable given that Asiimwe only took up archery just over a year ago, underlining his rapid rise to the summit of African para archery.
The 15th African Archery Championships were held in Oran, Algeria, from July 20 to 26 under the auspices of World Archery, attracting 180 athletes and officials from 16 countries.
Uganda was represented by Asiimwe and Bashir Mutyaba in the Para Recurve category, while Shiloh Kamukama Ayebare competed in the Under-18 Recurve event. The team was led by coach Aisha Namukwaya, with Uganda Archery vice president Sula Blick serving as team manager alongside Lillian Muhangi, who was the manager and parent representative.
