From Naguru suburb to the global stage in Dakar, the Junior Cranes captain embodies the promise of Uganda’s next generation of rugby talent.

When Shafik Okole walks onto the rugby pitch in Dakar wearing Uganda’s colours and the captain’s title, he will be doing more than leading his teammates into battle. At just 17, he will be carrying the hopes of a nation as Uganda’s Rugby makes its historic debut in the Olympic Games at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games next month.

“For a young man like me, it is a historic moment,” Okole says. “Being the first captain to lead Uganda Rugby at the Olympics Games means a lot. I feel honoured.”

For the young captain, however, the occasion is not about the magnitude of the stage but the preparation required to compete on it. Facing established sevens nations at an international tournament of this stature will test Uganda’s discipline, resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

Okole, though, is confident that the work put in during training will count when the team takes to the field.

“There is a word we believe in as a team: hard training, easy game,” he says. “We are ready to hold on to the work we have put in.”

His journey to this historic moment began long before the prospect of an Olympic appearance became a reality.

From Naguru to the Junior Cranes 7s

Okole’s introduction to rugby came through his uncle, Haruna Muhammad, who nurtured his interest in the game from an early age. Haruna also doubles as a Black Pirates and Rugby Cranes 15s player.

“When I was young, my uncle used to carry me on his shoulders and take me with him to training,” Okole recalls. “That is where the motivation came from.”

Haruna has since watched his nephew develop from a young boy accompanying him to training into a national team captain. He attributes Okole’s progress to his character, determination and willingness to work hard.

“He is a God fearing, determined and hard working boy,” Haruna says. “If he decides to do something, he does it. He is just a hard working boy.”

That determination found a platform at Kyadondo Rugby Academy, where Okole progressed through the age-grade system. He was part of the historic Kyadondo side that competed in the 2023 U15 15s Futures Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, an experience that helped expose his talent and opened doors for further development.

His performances earned him a scholarship at Laiser Hill Academy in Kenya, where he encountered a more demanding rugby environment.

The move presented a challenge, but Okole embraced it as an opportunity to improve his conditioning, sharpen his skills and grow as a player.

“In Kenya, the intensity is higher than in Uganda,” he says. “The only rest day is Sunday. I used the skills I had from Uganda and treated it as a big opportunity to condition myself and become the player I am today.”

Making an immediate impact at KCB KOBs

Upon returning to Ugandan rugby, Okole quickly demonstrated that his development had prepared him for the senior game.

Playing for KCB KOBs, he made a memorable debut against Buffaloes, coming off the bench with his side trailing before scoring a late try that helped secure victory.

“I had just come from school, trained on Thursday, and was named in the team for my debut,” he recalls. “Kobs were losing, then I came on with about 15 minutes left. I scored a try and helped the team get the victory.”

The performance offered a glimpse of his ability to influence matches under pressure, a quality that will be crucial as he leads the Junior Rugby Cranes onto the Olympic stage.

Caesar Ankunda, a member of the KCB KOBs executive, describes Okole as a talented and adaptable player whose attitude sets him apart.

“Shafik is a very young, intelligent and versatile player, very quick, very hard-working and full of talent,” Ankunda says. “He listens, he is willing to be coached, and he has the qualities needed to become a very good professional rugby player.”

Ankunda believes Okole represents the kind of talent Ugandan rugby must nurture through sustained support and proper guidance.

“Every now and then, we get a special talent. Shafik is one such player,” he says. “He just needs support, direction and to be taken care of. Don’t be shocked if his rugby takes him even farther, even out of the country.”

A product of Uganda’s youth rugby system

At Kyadondo, where Okole developed his foundations in the game, his rise is also viewed as evidence of the potential within Uganda’s youth rugby structures.

Kyadondo Rugby Academy Coordinator Sadam Godfrey describes his progression from age grade rugby to captaining the national U18 side as a significant achievement.

“Shafik Okole’s development has been remarkable,” Godfrey says. “Progressing from age grade to captaining the Uganda U18 squad for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is a major platform for him.”

Okole’s appointment as captain reflects not only his playing ability but also his approach to leadership. He believes effective captaincy requires clear communication and the willingness to lead by example.

“I prefer vocal instruction and setting a physical example,” he explains. “On the field, communication is clear and it helps me motivate my teammates. Then, through hard work, strong tackles and discipline, I show commitment.”

These qualities will be vital in Dakar, where the speed and intensity of international sevens rugby leave little room for mistakes. Uganda will need to combine individual talent with collective discipline if the team is to make a strong impression.

Known for his explosive pace and ability to read the game, Okole is also working to broaden his skill set. His current priority is improving his kicking, an area he believes can add another dimension to his game.

“I am highly regarded for my pace and game reading,” he says. “Right now, I am working hardest on my kicking because I want to add more to my game.”

More than a personal milestone

For Okole, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games represent more than a personal achievement. They are an opportunity to inspire other young players and demonstrate what commitment to rugby can make possible.

His journey, from accompanying his uncle to training in Naguru to captaining a national side at an Olympic event, reflects the value of grassroots development, mentorship and access to opportunities.

As Uganda prepares to make its mark on a stage it has never occupied in rugby, the 17 year old captain will be expected to translate his promise into leadership and performance.

“I am proud to carry the Uganda flag and captain the Junior Rugby Cranes at the Youth Olympic Games,” Okole says. “This is not only my moment; it is for my family, Kyadondo, my coaches and every young player who believes rugby can change their life.”

In Dakar, Okole will lead a team chasing history. For a young captain whose journey began on his uncle’s shoulders, the responsibility is immense, but so is the opportunity: to represent Uganda, inspire the next generation and help open a new chapter in the country’s rugby story.