Shiloh Kamukama Ayebare delivered a commendable performance at the 14th African Archery Championships in Abidjan, finishing ninth in the individual Recurve U18 men’s division.
The tournament, held from November 19-23, featured 141 archers from 16 countries across the continent.
Ayebare, Uganda’s sole representative, competed in the 70m recurve category for the first time and demonstrated impressive composure under pressure.
In the round of 16, he defeated Nigeria’s Harry-Erin Alexander 6-0 (3-0, 3-0, 14-1), showing precise shot placement. He subsequently faced eventual silver medallist Yao Kuassi Chadrac of Côte d’Ivoire and bowed out 6-0 (26-1, 26-19, 24-3.
Head coach Aisha Namukwaya praised Ayebare’s technical display.
‘Shiloh’s performance at 70 metres was impressive for his first international outing at this distance. His posture and focus on each end were excellent and he is building a solid foundation for future competitions,’ Namukwaya said.
Ayebare’s mother, Lillian Muhangi, expressed pride in her son’s achievements.
‘I am so proud of Shiloh. Seeing him hold his own against Africa’s best archers is an amazing moment for our family,’ she said.
Mauritius made history on Sunday, claiming their first-ever African recurve team gold, while hosts Côte d’Ivoire secured individual golds in both the men’s and women’s recurve events.
Four para-archers also competed across two categories. Twelve countries shared the 48 medals awarded, which included 18 golds, 18 silvers, and 12 bronzes.
Uganda will now turn its focus to the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, where Ayebare hopes to continue his progress on the continental and global stage.
14th African Archery Championship
Recurve U18 men results
Gold: Ismail Ezzeldin (Egypt)
Silver: Yao Kuassi Chadrac (Ivory Coast)
Bronze: Agnes Lewi (Ivory Coast)
9th: Shiloh Kamukama Ayebare (Uganda)
Ayebare’s performance
Distance: 70m Recurve
Round of 16:
Opponent: Harry-Erin Alexander (Nigeria)
Result: Won 6-0scores: 3-0, 3-0, 14-1
Quarterfinals:
Opponent: Yao Kuassi Chadrac (Côte d’Ivoire)
Result: Lost 0-6 scores: 26-1, 26-19, 24-3
Overall finish: 9th among 17 U18 men
Next competition: Youth Olympic Games, Dakar, Senegal 2026