Speed, Skill and Spectacle as Uganda Aquatics Nationals Get Off to Flying Start

The 11th Uganda Aquatics National Swimming Championships opened on Thursday at Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) with a day of intense racing, rising talent, and an energetic atmosphere that immediately signaled a high-level competition.

The venue carried a lively championship feel from the very first races, with the KISU spectator lounge filled throughout the day. Parents, coaches, and supporters turned up in large numbers on the weekday schedule, creating constant noise and encouragement that lifted the swimmers and added colour to Uganda’s flagship swimming event.

A major milestone of the opening day was the successful introduction of Uganda Aquatics’ new electronic touch-pad timing system. The upgraded technology ensured accurate, swift, and internationally aligned race results, marking an important step in modernising competition standards in the country.

The championships also drew notable attention from Commonwealth Sport Uganda President Donald Rukare, who observed proceedings and praised the standard of performance on display.

He was particularly encouraged to see members of Uganda’s Commonwealth Games squad already competing, including Kirabo Namutebi, Tara Kisawuzi, Tendo Kaumi, Tendo Mukalazi, Husnah Kukundakwe, and Condoleeza Nakazibwe, who are sharpening their form ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

The opening session focused heavily on endurance, beginning with the challenging 800m freestyle events. In the girls 11–14 category, Jaguar Swim Club’s Zara Marie Mbanga produced a strong early statement, winning in 10:05.21. On the boys’ side, Gators Swim Club’s Aiden Akubu Immelman controlled the race from start to finish to secure victory in 9:34.44.

In the senior events, Dolphins Swim Club’s Theresa Kikambi took the girls 15 & over title, while Sailfish Swim Club’s Arthur Mwase delivered one of the day’s most impressive swims to win the men’s 800m freestyle in 9:19.60, finishing ahead of Commonwealth Games athlete Pendo Kaumi.The breaststroke races produced some of the closest contests across age categories.

In the women’s 17 & over 50m breaststroke, Kirabo Namutebi lived up to expectations with a composed win in 32.47 seconds, while Tendo Mukalazi delivered a dominant performance in the men’s category, touching the wall first in 28.45 seconds.

The junior races also delivered standout moments. Crissa Dillip narrowly secured the girls 15–16 breaststroke gold, with Theresa Kikambi close behind, while Isaiah Kuc powered to victory in the boys’ equivalent event. Among the younger swimmers, Mushirah Nabatanzi continued her strong form by winning the girls 11–12 breaststroke, and Kristian Mugumya Bwisho dominated the boys’ race.

A highlight performance came from Zara Marie Mbanga, who added the girls 13–14 breaststroke title to her earlier freestyle gold, underlining her consistency across events.

Backstroke races further revealed the growing depth of Uganda’s young swimming talent. Blue Whales Swim Club’s Aya Adams claimed the girls 10 & under 100m backstroke title, while Altona Swim Club’s Elisha Rukundo took top honours in the boys’ category.Mushirah Nabatanzi extended her remarkable day by also winning the girls 11–12 100m backstroke, completing a double gold performance. Kristian Mugumya Bwisho matched that achievement in the boys’ category with another commanding victory.

The day concluded with another standout showing from Zara Marie Mbanga, who sealed yet another gold in the girls 13–14 backstroke, finishing the opening day among the most decorated swimmers at the championships.

With the competition now underway, the early performances have set a strong tone, pointing to an exciting continuation of races as swimmers battle for national honours in the days ahead.