In a ceremony filled with hope, pride and ambition, the Uganda Para Swimming Team was officially flagged off by the President of the Uganda Paralympic Committee, Hon. Mpindi Bumali ahead of their journey to the World Para Swimming Series in Indianapolis, USA.
The event, scheduled to run from April 24th to 26th, 2025, marks another milestone in Uganda’s ongoing commitment to inclusive sport and international representation.
As the flag waved high in Kampala, it wasn’t just fabric catching the wind, it was a symbol of resilience, dreams and the determination of Uganda’s para-athletes.
Among those representing the country in Indianapolis are three standout swimmers: Condoleezza Nyamisanga Nakazibwe, Enock Ssekitende and Husnah Biramahire Kukundakwe.
These athletes will carry the hopes of a nation onto the world stage, determined to make their mark against elite para swimmers from across the globe.
Before diving into the competition, both Nakazibwe and Ssekitende will undergo classification on April 23rd, a process that ensures fair competition by grouping athletes according to the nature and extent of their impairments.
The flag-off event also recognised the broader efforts of Uganda’s para-sports community. In addition to the swimming contingent heading to the USA, another team will be representing the nation at the 2025 Para Athletics Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco.
That event will also take place in late April and will feature seven Ugandan athletes competing in various track and field disciplines.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Mpindi Bumali praised the athletes’ dedication and underscored the importance of inclusive sports in building a stronger, more unified Uganda.
“Our athletes continue to inspire not only by their talent but by the courage they show in representing our nation,” he said.
The president extended heartfelt gratitude to the coaches, teammates and especially the parents, whose unwavering support fuels the athletes’ journey.
“Behind every athlete is a community of believers,” he noted.
“And today, we celebrate all of you who continue to stand behind our para sports movement.”
As the Ugandan flag journeys to Indianapolis, it carries with it the dreams of swimmers who’ve trained tirelessly, sacrificed much and are now ready to compete with the world’s best.
