Uganda’s Strong Performance at Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships
Uganda showcased its swimming prowess at the Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships held at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. The team delivered impressive performances across various age groups and events, securing several medals and setting the stage for future success.
14 & Under Girls’ 4x100m Freestyle Relay
Uganda took an early lead in the 14 & Under girls’ 4x100m freestyle relay with Mackayla and Crystal combining their efforts to maintain a strong position. Despite a narrow margin, Kikambi demonstrated resilience by keeping up with a faster Kenyan swimmer, allowing Mbanga to secure gold in the final leg of the race. This performance highlighted Uganda’s potential in relay events.
Individual Performances
Mackayla Ssali started the day strongly, earning bronze in the 14 & Under girls’ 400m freestyle with a time of 5:24.78. Her teammate, Theresa Kikambi, followed closely with 5:27.45, while Tanzania’s Crissa Dillip and Zainab Moosajee claimed gold and silver. In the boys’ 400m freestyle, Jonathan Kaweesa finished third, behind Max Missokia of Tanzania and Kenya’s Andrew Ogola.
In the 15 & Over girls’ category, Peyton Suubi secured gold in 4:56.67, while Paloma Kirabo earned bronze. On the boys’ side, Jordan Munyikwa and Isaiah Kuc finished fifth and seventh respectively.
12 & Under Events
Nisha Pearl Najjuma won bronze in the 12 & Under girls’ 50m butterfly, finishing with a time of 33.76. Alba Ihunde came in fifth with 34.21. In the boys’ 50m butterfly, Kenya’s Don Ndirangu and AbdulKadir AbdulKadir placed third and fourth.
Najjuma also showed her versatility in the 200m individual medley (IM), finishing second with a time of 2:53.84. Ashton Regina Suubi completed the podium with a time of 2:55.29. In the boys’ 200m IM, Elijah Ayesiga took gold with a time of 2:40.62, while Kristian Bwisho was third.
In the 100m freestyle, Jinan Nakato won gold for Uganda with a time of 1:06.06, while Ndirangu continued his dominance with a time of 1:03.36.
13-14 Age Group
Tyrah Muganzi excelled in the 13-14 girls’ 50m fly, finishing first with a time of 30.21. Her teammate Gabriella Opolot came in fourth, narrowly missing the podium. Muganzi also dominated the 14 & Under girls’ 200m fly with a time of 2:43.31, completing a butterfly treble at the competition.
In the boys’ 50m fly, Jonathan Kaweesa finished second with a time of 27.41, just 20 microseconds behind the winner. For the 14 & Under boys’ 200m fly, Benjamin Ssali took gold with a time of 2:38.51, while Elijah Mukisa secured bronze.
15-16 Age Group
Rahmah Nakasule won gold in the 15-16 girls’ 50m fly with a time of 30.11. Peyton Suubi, who had recently competed in the 400m free, finished fourth but still managed to secure a spot on the podium. In the boys’ 50m fly, Peterson Inhensiko finished fifth, while Kuc earned bronze.
Peyton avenged her earlier performance by winning the 200m IM with a time of 2:41.52. Paloma Kirabo finished third, while Bridget Heep took silver. In the girls’ 100m free, Peyton earned silver with a time of 1:04.61, just ahead of Kenya’s Isabelle Mwangi.
17 & Over Age Group
Tara Kisawuzi dominated the senior girls’ events, securing gold in the 50m fly with a time of 30.05. She also won the 200m IM with a time of 2:47.86 and the 200m fly with a time of 2:57.99. In the 100m free, she finished second with a time of 1:01.45.
For the boys, Pendo Kaumi earned bronze in the 50m fly with a time of 26.71. In the 200m fly, Kaumi secured bronze with a time of 2:39.33, while Malcolm Nahamya took fifth with a time of 2:48.17.
Relays and Masters Events
Uganda’s relay teams continued their strong performance. In the 14 & Under girls’ 4x100m freestyle relay, the team secured a top position despite a close finish. Kenya quickly responded in the junior boys’ relay, claiming gold. In the 15 & Over girls’ relay, Uganda’s team capitalized on a disqualification to win gold.
In the masters’ events, Resty Kiwuka earned gold in the 25-29 women’s 50m fly. Sandra Arinaitwe and Esther Nadunga also secured bronze in their respective age groups. In the men’s events, Ivan Muhoozi earned bronze in the 25-29 50m fly, while Yuda Morris Ssekamatte and Alex Kateeba claimed gold in their age categories.
