Uganda’s National Swimming Team successfully defended its crown at the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championships in Nairobi, finishing with 3,933 points, well ahead of hosts Kenya and third-placed Tanzania.
The four-day event at Kasarani Swimming Arena featured juniors, seniors, and masters from across East Africa.
Uganda dominated overall, claiming first place in both boys’ and girls’ categories for the fourth consecutive year.
Uganda Olympic Committee President Dr. Donald Rukare, who also competed, praised the event.
“It’s been fantastic. The kids enjoyed themselves, and we look forward to the next championships,” he said, adding that he won gold in the 50m butterfly and silver in the 50m breaststroke and freestyle.
Team captain Ampaire Namanya acknowledged the challenge.
“Kenya gave us a strong challenge, and early schedule disruptions made the first days stressful. But our team stayed focused and delivered,” he said, commending Uganda Aquatics for their support.
Standout swimmer Ssekamate Morris collected four medals in his age group. “It was challenging but fun. I’m proud of my performance,” he said.
Selected Individual Medalists:
17 & Over
Girls
- Tara Kisawuzi – 3 Gold (200m breaststroke, 100m & 200m freestyle)
Boys
- Pendo Kaumi – Bronze (100m fly)
15-16 Years
Girls
- Peyton Suubi – 3 Gold (100m fly, 200m breaststroke, 200m freestyle)
Boys
- Kuc – Gold (200m freestyle)
- Okech – Silver
- Rukundo – Bronze
13-14 Years
Girls:
- Tyrah Muganzi – Gold (100m fly)
- Mackayla Ssali – Silver
Boys
- Jonathan Kaweesa – 3 Gold
- Benjamin Ssali – Bronze
- Jayson Aronda – Gold & Bronze
- Elijah Mukisa – Silver
12 & Under
Girls:
- Nisha Pearl Najjuma – 3 Gold, Alba Ihunde – Silver,
- Ashton Regina Suubi – Bronze
Boys:
- Elijah Ayesiga – 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze;
- Kristian Bwisho – Silver;
- Raymond Ssali & Jeremiah Ssempijja – Bronze
Relays
Uganda finished just behind Kenya in most relay events, Crystal Ssemanda, Mackayla and Muganzi and Gabriella Opolot coming out second .
Highlights included gold in the 14 & Under mixed medley relay, while other categories saw close battles with the hosts.
Masters
Patricia Ejaluu won gold in women’s 50-54 backstroke.
Yuda Morris Ssekamatte, Peter Mugisha, and Peter Ssebanakittta secured gold in men’s 35-39, 55-59, and 60+ age groups respectively.
Several Ugandan swimmers also earned silver and bronze medals across age divisions with Ivan Muhoozi being no exception, winning bronze in the 25-29 group like Habib Yawe in the 30-34 and Patrick Magezi in the 55-59.
Uganda will host the next Zone 3 Swimming Championships in October 2026, promising another thrilling regional showdown.
