After six years away, Avice Meya made a stirring return to Uganda’s biggest swimming stage and into the hearts of a new generation at the 2025 Uganda Aquatics National Swimming Championship a week go.
The meet wrapped up Sunday at Kampala Parents School with a long-awaited showdown between Uganda’s top sprint queens, 20-year-old Kirabo Namutebi of Aqua Akii and 30-year-old Meya of Sailfish. Both had dominated Ugandan swimming in their time, but never faced off until now.
The women’s 50m freestyle final delivered the fireworks. Namutebi surged late to win in 26.17 seconds, just ahead of Meya’s 27.76. But for Meya, this comeback was about more than the clock.
“I’m happy to be here. It’s been six years and everything’s so different,” she said, visibly emotional.
Her return was less about medals and more about momentum specifically, the rising tide of young female swimmers.
“The competition is better now. Swimmers like Amitendo are flying. And there are so many girls,” she said.
“There are so many heats, 10 and under, 11-12, and now girls swim up to 17. I love that they changed the age group. It shows growth.”
Meya wasn’t observing change, she was part of it.
“I came today to inspire girls, to show them they can stay in the sport, go to school, work, and still swim. That’s what I came to prove. I’m glad I did.”
Her swim, her words, and her presence reminded everyone that experience still matters and that inspiration can travel both ways.
