Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming Tokyo World Athletics Championships, set for September 13–21, 2025, have taken a major hit after the nation’s top stars Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo were ruled out of the competition due to personal reasons.
The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) confirmed the development via social media on Monday, appealing for privacy for the two elite athletes. “We request that their privacy be respected at this particular time. Final lists for Team Uganda will be out soon,” the statement read.
The absence of Cheptegei, the reigning Olympic 10,000m champion and former world record holder, and Kiplimo, the half marathon world record holder, is a huge blow to Uganda’s medal hopes in Tokyo. The duo have been the backbone of Uganda’s long-distance dominance on the global stage in recent years.
Kiplimo, however, remains in top form, recently winning the Buenos Aires Half Marathon in a course record time of 58:29 as part of his preparations for the Chicago Marathon in October.
Full Team Uganda for Tokyo 2025
Despite the setback, Uganda will still field a 21-member team across track, road, and field events.
Women:
• Shida Leni – 400m
• Halima Nakaayi – 800m
• Aciru Knight – 1500m
• Peruth Chemutai – 3000mSC
• Loice Chekwemoi – 5000m/10,000m
• Sarah Chelangat – 5000m/10,000m
• Joy Cheptoyek – 10,000m
• Rebecca Chelangat – 10,000m
• Stella Chesang – Marathon
• Chelangat Mercyline – Marathon
• Juliet Chekwel – Marathon
Men:
• Victor Kiplangat – Marathon
• Solomon Mutai – Marathon
• Stephen Kissa – Marathon
• Abel Chelangat – 10,000m
• Dan Kibet – 10,000m
• Oscar Chelimo – 5000m
• Kenneth Kiprop – 5000m
• Herbert Kibet – 800m
• Tom Dradriga – 800m
• Leonard Chemutai – 3000mSC
Focus Shifts to Mountain & Trail Running Championships
Meanwhile, Team Uganda is also gearing up for the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain, set for September 25–28, 2025.
The event will see Ugandan athletes compete in uphill, classic, and short trail categories, with experienced runners like Deogratius Musobo and Victor Kwemboi leading the charge.
Both teams have received support from sponsors including Nike, the National Council of Sports (NCS), and World Athletics.
Ugandan Athletes and Their Events
The following is a list of the Ugandan athletes and their respective race categories:
Women:
• Angeline Chelimo: Uphill-6km
• Kereen Chemusto: Uphill-6km
• Martha Chemusto: Uphill-6km
• Rebecca Cherop: Uphill-6km
• Rispa Cherop: Classic 14km
• Kerine Cherop: Classic 14km
• Saibi Chebet: Classic 14km
• Nancy Chepkwurui: 7km
• Nowel Cheruto: 7km
• Felister Chepkwemoi: 7km
• Andronicas Chebet: 7km
Men:
• Isaac Mande Kibet: Uphill-6km
• Eliud Cherop: Uphill-6km
• Alex Kiplangat: Uphill-6km
• Deogratius Musobo: Uphill-6km
• Isaac Masai: Classic 14km
• Abel Chebet: Classic 14km
• Aziz Chebet: Classic 14km
• Martin Magengo Kiprotich: Classic 14km
• Enos Chebet: 7km
• Titus Musau: 7km
• Abraham Cherotich: 7km
• Victor Kwemboi: Short Trail 45km