Uganda’s Swimmers Ready for Another Test as Day Three Action Continues at Commonwealth Games

Uganda’s swimming team returns to the Tollcross International Swimming Centre on Day Three of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with renewed confidence, ambition and a strong desire to build on a historic opening performance in the pool. After competing against some of the world’s most established swimming nations and producing several encouraging results, the Ugandan swimmers are back in action determined to continue their impressive showing on the Commonwealth stage.

The opening swimming events provided Uganda with a mixture of memorable achievements, valuable experience and important lessons against elite opposition. Four swimmers took to the pool and showcased the country’s growing potential in aquatic sports, competing with determination despite facing some of the fastest swimmers from across the Commonwealth.

The biggest highlight came in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay, where Uganda’s quartet of Tendo Kaumi, Jesse Ssengonzi, Gloria Muzito and Kirabo Namutebi created history by becoming the only African nation to qualify for the final. The team produced a brilliant performance in the heats, finishing sixth overall out of 18 nations with a time of 3:37.11 to secure a place among the Commonwealth’s top eight relay teams.

In the final, the Ugandan team once again showed remarkable courage and resilience, finishing seventh overall after clocking 3:37.14. Although they missed out on a podium finish, their achievement was a major milestone for Ugandan swimming, as they competed alongside some of the world’s most powerful aquatic nations. Australia claimed gold in a record-breaking performance with 3:19.36, lowering their own Commonwealth Games record from Birmingham 2022 by almost two seconds. England followed with silver in 3:23.91, while Wales secured bronze after touching the wall in 3:24.33.

The relay performance was a clear indication of the progress being made by Uganda’s swimming programme. To reach the final as the only African representative demonstrated the team’s growing competitiveness, while also highlighting the talent, dedication and preparation of Uganda’s swimmers as they continue to make their mark internationally.

Individual performances also provided plenty of encouragement, led by Tendo Kaumi, who delivered one of the strongest displays of Uganda’s swimming campaign so far. Kaumi produced a superb swim in the men’s 50m freestyle, winning his heat in an impressive 22.63 seconds. His excellent performance placed him ninth overall and earned him a place in the semifinals, putting him among the leading swimmers competing in the event.

Jesse Ssengonzi also strengthened Uganda’s presence in the pool with a determined performance in the men’s 100m butterfly. Ssengonzi completed his race in 54.01 seconds to finish 14th out of 36 competitors, securing qualification for the semifinals. His achievement reflected his consistency and ability to compete against a highly competitive international field.

Gloria Muzito also gained valuable experience in the women’s 200m freestyle, where she recorded a time of 2:07.68 to finish 22nd out of 36 swimmers. While she narrowly missed out on progression, her performance added another positive chapter to Uganda’s campaign and provided important exposure against some of the world’s best athletes.

Jordan Ssamula endured disappointment in the men’s 100m butterfly after being disqualified for using an incorrect kick during the race. Despite the setback, the Ugandan swimmer remains part of a team that has shown great determination and continues to gain valuable lessons from competing at one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

As Day Three begins, Uganda’s swimmers return to the pool with another demanding schedule. Tara Naluwoza will open the country’s programme in the women’s 100m freestyle heats at 12:30 p.m. East African Time, hoping to produce a strong performance and challenge for progression in a competitive field.

Nineteen minutes later, Gloria Muzito will be back in action in the women’s 100m freestyle at 12:49 p.m. Having already competed in the 200m freestyle and played a key role in the historic mixed relay team, Muzito enters the race with confidence and valuable experience gained from her opening events.

The men’s 50m breaststroke will then bring double representation for Uganda, with Jordan Samula and Tendo Mukalazi scheduled to compete at 1:05 p.m. East African Time. Both swimmers will be aiming to produce their best performances and secure a place among the fastest competitors as they take on a strong international field.

With every race, Uganda’s swimmers continue to demonstrate the remarkable progress being made in the sport. The performances in Glasgow have not only delivered encouraging results but have also provided a platform for the next generation of Ugandan swimmers to dream bigger and compete on the world stage.

As the Commonwealth Games continue, the swimmers will once again carry Uganda’s hopes into the Tollcross pool, determined to build on their historic achievements, challenge the best in the Commonwealth and continue writing a new chapter for Ugandan swimming.