Key Highlights from the Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships
The 10th edition of the Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships, held at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, witnessed intense competition and remarkable performances across various age groups and categories. The event saw Uganda and Kenya competing closely, with both nations showcasing their strengths in different swimming disciplines.
Day Two: A Challenging but Rewarding Day
The second day of the championships proved to be particularly taxing for many swimmers, as they had to catch up on events that were postponed due to the cancellation of the opening ceremony on Day One. This was a result of the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Despite these challenges, athletes from both Uganda and Kenya demonstrated resilience and determination.
Kenya, as the host nation, dominated the relays, showcasing their balanced squad selection. On the other hand, Tanzania emerged as dark horses, excelling in the 200m events. The event was officially opened by Africa Aquatics President Mohamed Diop, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Salim Mvurya, and Zone III President Donald Rukare.
Individual Performances
In the 17 & Over category, Uganda’s Tara Kisawuzi faced some difficulties as her crucial examination coincided with her morning events. However, she made a strong comeback by winning gold in the 200m breaststroke (3:13.55), 100m backstroke (1:13.91), and 200m freestyle (2:21.15). Pendo Kaumi secured bronze in the senior boys’ 100m fly (1:00.63), while Kyle Kaweesa finished sixth in a fast race won by Sudan’s Saleem Mohamed Ziyad (57.20).
Malcolm Nahamya narrowly missed out on a medal in the 50m backstroke, finishing just behind Burundi’s Flack Zacharie Harinzimana (30.05). Mathew Mwase placed fourth in the 50m back (31.06) but managed to secure fourth in the 100m (1:06.92) behind teammate Pendo Kaumi (1:06.26).
15-16 Years Category
Peyton Suubi claimed gold in the 15-16 girls’ 100m fly (1:11.61), while Paloma Kirabo finished fourth. Isaiah Kuc took silver in the boys’ 100m fly (1:04.05) behind Kenya’s Victor Okech (1:00.31). Rahmah Nakasule earned bronze in the 50m back (34.41), and Kirabo placed fifth in the same event.
Peterson Inhensiko secured second place in the boys’ 50m back (30.23), and Ssengooba finished fourth (32.40). Inhensiko also placed second in the 100m (1:05.10) behind teammate Shaun Murungi (1:03.55).
13-14 Years Category
Tyrah Muganzi led Uganda to victory in the 13-14 girls’ 100m fly (1:10.58), with Mackayla Ssali securing silver. Jonathan Kaweesa took gold in the boys’ 100m fly (1:03.10), while Benjamin Ssali earned bronze. In the 50m backstroke, Tanzania’s Crissa Dillip (31.32) and Kenya’s Aariana Barchha (33.94) pushed Zara Mbanga (34.02) and Crystal Ssemanda (35.42) to fourth and fifth places.
12 & Under Category
Alba Ihunde and Ashton Regina Suubi won silver and bronze respectively in the 12 & Under girls’ 100m fly (1:18.57 and 1:19.97). Elijah Ayesiga earned silver in the boys’ 100m fly (1:09.95) behind Kenya’s Don Ndirangu (1:07.92). Nisha Pearl Najjuma continued her dominance in the 200m backstroke, winning gold in both the 50m (35.07) and 100m (1:18.65).
Relay Events
In the 14 & Under 4x50m medley relays, Uganda’s girls (Crystal Ssemanda, Mackayla, Muganzi, Gabriella Opolot) finished second (2:16.41) behind Kenya (2:15.77). The boys’ team (Jonathan, Kigundu Ssango, Benjamin Ssali, Manuel Ssemanda) clocked 2:02.24, just behind Kenya’s 2:02.16.
Uganda also performed well in the mixed freestyle relays, with Kenya narrowly edging them in both the 14 & Under (1:51.22 vs. 1:52.28) and 15 & Over (1:46.40 vs. 1:47.72) categories.
Masters Category
In the women masters’ 50m backstroke, Patricia Ejalu won gold in the 50-54 age group. Resty Kiwuka secured silver in the 25-29 age group, while Sandra Arinaitwe bagged bronze in the 30-34 group.
For the men, Yuda Morris Ssekamatte, Peter Mugisha, and Peter Ssebanakitta won gold in the 35-39, 55-59, and 60 & Over age groups respectively. Ivan Muhoozi, Habib Yawe, and Patrick Magezi each secured bronze in their respective categories.
