UIPM Coaches Certification Programme: Major year for African coaching kicks off in Kampala (UGA)

A landmark 2023 for development in Africa began with a productive week in Uganda as a wave of new Modern Pentathlon coaches took their first steps on the ladder.

Sixteen coaches undertook Level 1 of the UIPM Coaches Certification Programme (CCP) in the capital Kampala over five days from January 31 to February 4. The eager students learned under the expert tutelage of Yasser Hefny OLY, Chair of the UIPM Athletes Committee, who represented Egypt at the London 2012 Olympic Games. 

The five-day course at Kampala Parents School was organised in co-operation with the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity program and was the first of five CCP courses in Africa in 2023 as UIPM continues to invest resources in the continent.

Africa has been a key area of growth for UIPM in recent years and with the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games taking place in Senegal, growth continues apace. 

UIPM CCP Level 3 Coach Yasser Hefny (EGY) said: “I was very glad to took part as an instructor in this course. Especially because of the part it plays in continuing to develop Africa, the continent to which I am proud to belong.

“I thank the UIPM and the Ugandan Modern Pentathlon Federation for organising this course. We had coaches from different sports backgrounds who have a strong will to build a big base of athletes in the upcoming period.

“From what I have seen during my short stay, Uganda has big potential in hosting Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run competitions. As for the full Pentathlon, focusing on qualifying for Dakar 2026 is a realistic and attainable goal.”

Joseph Collins Ssemmanda, UMPF Secretary General, said: “I would like to thank the IOC and UIPM for their support towards Uganda’s successful organisation of the Level 1 Coaches Certification Programme.

“Uganda was able to have 16 coaches trained by the UIPM Instructor Yasser Hefny OLY and we would like to thank our partners in Kampala Parents Schools for the great facility. Our plan is for the newly-qualified coaches to train pentathletes with a major focus on the Junior athletes in preparation for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.”

UIPM Coaches Committee Chairman Christian Roudaut said: “I’m very happy to hear about the success of the Level 1 course in Uganda, helping many new coaches to refine their coaching techniques in Modern Pentathlon.

“This is another important landmark for Modern Pentathlon coaching in Africa and comes at a crucial time. It is important for coaches in all nations to be ready to seize on the huge opportunity of Dakar 2026.”

Like all CCP courses, coaches will earn their Level 1 qualification when they conclude the syllabus by completing e-learning courses covering anti-doping and harassment prevention.

For more information on the CCP please visit the UIPM Educational Platform.