Speaker of Parliamentary Edward Ssekandi has flagged off the Ugandan team to the Commonwealth Games, calling on athletes to ensure that Uganda's anthem is played.

According to a local press report on Friday, overall team captain Irene Ajambo, received the flag on Thursday in the company of Minister of State for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi and general team manager Justine Ligyalingi.

"You are aware that next year Uganda will host the Commonwealth Summit and therefore as we prepare, we would like you to be our ambassadors so that you carry the flag high. I further urge you to try and excel at the games. This may be the opportunity to make a breakthrough in your sports careers," the speaker said.

Bakkabulindi was convinced that the team will come back with medals and appealed to them to act like sportsmen.

The second batch of Ugandan team left for Melbourne, Australia on Thursday night. The batch included swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, shooting and badminton.

Ugandan team included 49 athletes and 16 officials.

The first batch left on Monday and the third batch will leave next week.

Source: Xinhua