Uganda Secures Fourth Place at International Young Naturalists Tournament in Greece

Uganda achieved a remarkable fourth-place ranking out of 30 nations at the 2026 International Young Naturalists Tournament (IYNT) held in Greece. This strong performance highlights the country’s rising prowess in global science competitions.

Teams from Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga and Uganda Martyrs Secondary School Namugongo shone brightly, advancing to the semifinals. Namagunga’s Team Aether took fourth globally, while Namugongo’s Team Calyx placed seventh, landing two Ugandan squads in the world’s top nine.

The tournament features ‘Science Fights,’ where secondary school students present research, defend methods, and debate opponents in real time to solve open-ended scientific challenges.

Individual accolades boosted Uganda’s success: Doris Niwahereza from Luzira Secondary School earned Best Reviewer, Nakato Maria Mugagga from Namagunga won Best Opponent, and Gayaza High School triumphed in the Experimental Race, rewarding speed, precision, and creativity.

The 30-student delegation represented Namagunga, Gayaza High School, Namugongo, and Luzira, competing in the Young Naturalists League and related physics and experimental events.

National Coordinator Kevin Desire Maasa of Science Olympiad Foundation Uganda credited rigorous six-month selections via the National Science Olympiad, emphasizing practical training since 2018 to foster deep thinking over rote learning.

Niwahereza praised the event for promoting research, teamwork, and confidence. Namagunga’s Deputy Headteacher Rachel Kironde Laboke noted it inspired students and exposed them to global perspectives.

Observers view this as evidence of Uganda’s advancing competitive science education through research and critical skills.

Source: Daily Monitor