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Junior athletes from kitgum and Lutuk Taekwondo clubs showcasing their talent during spiring By Odong Stephen Gulu City Kitgum Taekwondo Club emerged as the overall champions of the 2026 International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) Northern Uganda Championship, wh
Junior athletes from kitgum and Lutuk Taekwondo clubs showcasing their talent during spiring
By Odong Stephen
Gulu City
Kitgum Taekwondo Club emerged as the overall champions of the 2026 International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) Northern Uganda Championship, which took place from Saturday, July 11, to Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Bermuda Cabaret Hall in Laroo-Pece City Division, Gulu City.
The two-day championship attracted taekwondo clubs from across Northern Uganda, including Kitgum Taekwondo Club, Plot Taekwondo Club, Northern Gym Taekwondo Club, Lutuk Taekwondo Club, Pabo Taekwondo Club and Gulu Taekwondo Club.
Championship Showcased Growth of Taekwondo in Northern Uganda
The Vice President of ITF Uganda, Robinson Okello Lee, popularly known as Master Lee, applauded all participating clubs for turning up in large numbers and contributing to the success of this year’s championship.
He noted that the Northern Uganda Championship is hosted on a rotational basis, with Lira District hosting the 2025 edition before Gulu City hosted this year’s event.
Master Lee also commended the federation for consistently organizing the championship, saying it continues to uplift athletes from Northern Uganda by providing them with opportunities to compete and develop their talents.
He said the growing number of participants and the improving performance of clubs across the region demonstrate that taekwondo is steadily developing in Northern Uganda. According to him, the championship has become an important platform for identifying and nurturing young talent while encouraging more young people to take up the sport.
Athletes Displayed Discipline and Respect
ITF Coordinator for the Acholi and West Nile regions, Andrew Ayella addressing the participant
The ITF Coordinator for the Acholi and West Nile regions, Andrew Ayella, expressed satisfaction with the conduct displayed by athletes throughout the competition.
“We are very happy as officials with what we have witnessed today. Throughout the competition, we have seen discipline and respect among the athletes in the ring, and that is the true spirit of Taekwondo.
“To us, every participant is already a winner because stepping into the ring takes courage and commitment. Every athlete will receive a certificate of participation, while those who excel in their respective categories will receive medals and certificates of merit. These achievements will be valuable in the future whenever they are needed.”
Championships Provide Exposure for Athletes
Meanwhile, Abraham Onyegiu, commonly known as Coach Wong, one of the coaches of Kitgum Taekwondo Club at a branch in Mucwini Sub-county, said competitions of this nature provide valuable exposure and competitive experience for athletes.
He said many athletes have benefited from taekwondo through employment opportunities and personal development.
“We have participated in many tournaments across the country, and because of this, our students and athletes have benefited greatly. Many want to develop their talents and secure opportunities through taekwondo. So far, more than 20 of our athletes, including myself, have joined the security forces. Others have become more disciplined because during our training we involve spiritual leaders from different churches who provide guidance. This helps our athletes grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.”
Coach Wong added that Kitgum Taekwondo Club currently operates four branches located in Pandwong Division in Kitgum Municipality, Mucwini Sub-county, Lalano Sub-county, and Kitgum Matidi Sub-county.
Competition Categories
The championship featured competitions in patterns and sparring.
Athletes competed in the following categories:
Kids (8–13 years) junior, Juniors (14–17 years), Seniors (18–35 years), Advance Seniors (36–44 years), Veterans (45 years and above) and Para Taekwondo
According to the organizers, every participant received a certificate of participation, while first, second, and third-place winners received medals and certificates of merit. The top three clubs overall were also awarded trophies.
Kitgum Dominates Medal Table
According to Master Lee, Kitgum Taekwondo Club dominated the championship after winning 49 Gold medals ,28 Silver medals and 12 Bronze medals
Plot Taekwondo Club finished second with 15 Gold ,15 Silver and 7 Bronze medals.
Lutuk Taekwondo Club secured third place after winning 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 7 Bronze medals.
Pabo Taekwondo Club and Gulu Taekwondo Club tied for fourth place with one gold and one silver medals each, while Northern Gym Taekwondo Club finished without a medal.
Victory Attributed to Discipline
Kitgum Taekwondo Club coach Reegan Obwona attributed the club’s success to disciplined training, teamwork, and the determination of the athletes.
He said the victory reflects the club’s commitment to excellence and encouraged athletes to remain focused as they prepare for future competitions.
Obwona also noted that Kitgum Taekwondo Club, together with AFC Taekwondo Club, has consistently performed well in national competitions and continues to make Kitgum Municipality proud wherever they compete.
Coaches Call for Greater Support
Three young boys Junior Athletes from Lutuk Taekwondo club sited next to their coach
The coach of Lutuk Taekwondo Club from Nwoya District, Kenneth Owani, commonly known as Coach Joker, appreciated ITF Uganda for consistently organizing the championship, saying such competitions unite athletes, promote friendship, and provide opportunities to learn from one another.
However, he said many athletes were unable to participate due to financial constraints, noting that competitors are required to pay registration fees before competing.
He added that many young athletes receive little or no support from district authorities, relying mainly on parents and a few community members.
Coach Joker also revealed that the club lacks a proper training hall, equipment and is forced to train in open fields.
According to him, training outdoors becomes difficult during the rainy season, disrupting preparations and it affect athletes’ performance during competitions.
He appealed to district leaders to support taekwondo in the same way they support other sports.
Parent Encourages More Girls to Join Taekwondo
Sofi Aciro, a parent of three taekwondo athletes, expressed happiness over her children’s achievements.
She said two of her daughters won gold medals during the championship.
Aciro revealed that she was also inspired to join taekwondo while in Senior Two after realizing the opportunities the sport offers.
She said taekwondo enabled her to travel to different parts of the world and challenged the misconception that the sport is only meant for men.
“People think taekwondo is only for men, but I encourage fellow parents to enrol their children in the sport because it teaches self-defence and discipline. We never know where taekwondo may take our children, so we should understand its value instead of undermining it.”
She added that one of the biggest challenges affecting the development of taekwondo is that many people prioritize traditional sports such as football, volleyball, and athletics without realizing that taekwondo can also lead to scholarships, employment opportunities, and international exposure.
Athletes Urged to Follow Competition Rules
During the closing ceremony, Andrew Ayella urged athletes to familiarize themselves with ITF competition rules to avoid unnecessary penalties in future tournaments.
He reminded participants that male athletes are not permitted to wear undershirts beneath their uniforms during competition, while female athletes are allowed to do so.
Ayella also pointed out that some competitors entered the ring wearing socks, which is prohibited under ITF rules.
Although no athlete was disqualified during this championship because many participants were competing under official ITF rules for the first time, he warned that such mistakes could lead to penalties or disqualification in future competitions.
“Boys are not supposed to wear another shirt under their uniform. Only girls are allowed to do so. If you compete elsewhere without knowing this rule, your opponent may be awarded points because of your mistake. Some athletes also entered the ring wearing socks, which is not allowed. We did not disqualify anyone because many of you had not been informed before, but now you know.”
Championship Dedicated to Late Taekwondo Pioneer
This year’s ITF Northern Uganda Championship was dedicated to the late Okot John Charles, who passed away on June 28, 2026, and was laid to rest on July 11, 2026, the opening day of the championship.
According to Andrew Ayella, Okot was regarded as the founding master of taekwondo in Gulu and the first coach of Gulu Taekwondo Club.
Ayella said Gulu Taekwondo Club was the second taekwondo club established in Uganda, with Okot beginning to train athletes in 1973.
He noted that under Okot’s leadership, the club consistently won trophies at competitions across the country, making him one of the pioneers of taekwondo in Northern Uganda.
Ayella said the late Okot John Charles deserves to be remembered and respected by taekwondo athletes throughout the region and beyond for his contribution to the development of the sport.
Looking Ahead
The championship concluded with a renewed commitment by athletes, coaches, and officials to promote discipline, respect, fair play, and the continued growth of taekwondo across Northern Uganda as clubs prepare for future competitions.