Uganda has once again stepped onto the global academic stage as the Uganda National Students Association in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports officially flagged off two outstanding students to represent the country at the prestigious International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad.
The competition, scheduled to take place at the renowned Lomonosov Moscow State University from April 15th to 23rd, 2026, will bring together some of the most gifted young chemists from across the world, providing a platform for intellectual exchange and scientific excellence.
The students selected to represent Uganda are Atine Solomon, a Senior Five student from St Gracious Secondary School Lira, and Abereza Rodha Tendo, also in Senior Five at Bweranyangi Girls School, both of whom have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, discipline, and commitment to their studies.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education and Sports headquarters, was officiated by key education leaders including Kedrace Turyagenda, the Permanent Secretary, Mukwatampola Muzamiru, the Commissioner for Admissions, Scholarships and Students Affairs, Cherukut Toskin Fred, the Executive Secretary of UNSA, and Ainembabazi Shillah, the UNSA President, alongside other members of the executive committee.
In her message to the students, Kedrace Turyagenda challenged them to remain focused, disciplined, and visionary in their pursuit of academic excellence, urging them to go to Russia and return as winners as they represent Uganda on the global stage.
Officials further emphasized that such international academic engagements are critical in showcasing Uganda’s growing pool of scientific talent, while also inspiring other learners across the country to pursue excellence in science, innovation, and research.
The participation of these students in the Olympiad highlights Uganda’s continued commitment to strengthening science education, fostering global competitiveness, and creating opportunities for young scholars to engage with the international academic community.
As Atine Solomon and Abereza Rodha Tendo travel to Russia, they carry with them the hopes of a nation, the pride of their schools, and the responsibility of representing Uganda on a global stage, reminding all that through education, determination, and opportunity, the future remains full of promise.
Struggle for liberation, and through education, that liberation becomes limitless.