School of Tomorrow Dominates Uganda Aquatics National Independence Championships
At the Uganda Aquatics National Independence Championships held at Greenhill Academy Kibuli, School of Tomorrow (Sotu) emerged as the clear winner, securing a total of 1,494 points. Aga Khan Academy followed closely in second place with 1,255 points, while The North Green School (TNGS) achieved their first podium finish with 1,145 points, just ahead of the hosts, Greenhill Academy, which scored 1,135 points.
The competition featured swimmers across various age groups, with Sotu showcasing exceptional talent and consistency throughout the event. Their success was highlighted by several standout performances that contributed to their overall victory.
Individual Performances
In the 13-14 years age group, Jonathan Kaweesa from Sotu was the most dominant swimmer, earning 80 points by winning all four of his individual races: 50m backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and 25m freestyle. His performance was so impressive that Hill Preparatory School’s Arthur Nsubuga came in second with 61 points, followed by Greenhill Academy’s Paulsen Kilara with 50 points.
On the girls’ side, Zara Mbanga from Sotu topped the 13-14 category with 70 points after winning the 50m breaststroke and finishing second in both the 50m backstroke and butterfly, as well as third in the 25m freestyle. Aga Khan’s Tyrah Muganzi led in the 50m backstroke and butterfly but finished sixth, just ahead of Crystal Ssemanda, who topped the 25m freestyle and came third in her other event. Mackayla Ssali from Sotu earned 63 points, outperforming several competitors.
15 & Over Age Group
In the 15 & Over category, Pendo Kaumi from Sotu claimed the top spot for boys with 60 points, excelling in the 50m fly and backstroke, as well as the 25m freestyle. Peyton Suubi, also from Sotu, dominated the girls’ category with 76 points, winning the 50m events and coming third in the 25m freestyle behind Vienna College Namugongo’s Karimah Katemba and Aga Khan’s Paloma Kirabo.
Katemba and Kirabo secured second and third places with 68 and 66 points respectively. In the senior boys’ category, TNGS’s Nathan Nsereko and Sotu’s Ian Aziku finished second and third with 53 and 51 points.
11-12 Years
Mushirah Nabatanzi from Educare Jr. topped the 11-12 girls’ category with 76 points after winning the 50m breaststroke and fly events, plus the 25m freestyle. Liorah Lumu from Hill Preparatory took second with 67 points, while Alba Ihunde from Hill Preparatory placed third with 61 points.
For the boys, Kristian Bwisho from Shree Sahajanand scored 73 points after winning the 50m breaststroke and 25m freestyle. Elisha Kato from Hill Preparatory won the 50m backstroke, while Elijah Ayesiga from Sotu topped the 50m fly, finishing joint second with 68 points.
10 & Under
Raan Batuk from Hill Preparatory led the 10 & Under boys’ category with 72 points, winning the 50m breaststroke and 25m freestyle. Ashley Kimuli from Hillside came third with 61 points, just four points behind Austin Wanyama from Greenhill.
In the junior girls’ category, Denorah Natabi from Aga Khan earned 71 points after winning the 50m breaststroke and 50m backstroke. Paulette Wakabi from Light Academy placed second with 65 points, topping the 25m freestyle, while Paula Aryemo from Greenhill topped the 50m fly but finished fifth overall.
Relay Events
Relay competitions added another layer of excitement to the championships. In the mixed 4x50m medley relays, Greenhill Academy topped the 10 & Under category, while Sotu claimed victory in the other age groups. In the 11-12 age group, Hill Preparatory and Greenhill joined Sotu on the podium, while Aga Khan and BSK Rafters came in second and third.
In the mixed 4x25m freestyle relays, Greenhill Academy won the 10 & Under category, while Sotu took the 11-12 and 13-14 age groups. Aga Khan led the 15 & Over category. In the gender medley relays, The Olive School topped the 10 & Under girls’ relay, while Greenhill won the boys’ category.
Sotu dominated both the boys and girls’ medley relays in the 11-12 age group. In the 13-14 category, Aga Khan led the girls’ relay, while Sotu led the boys’. Sotu also topped the 15 & Over boys’ relay, while Greenhill won the girls’ category.
Final Standings
School of Tomorrow – 1,494
Aga Khan Academy – 1,255
The North Green School – 1,145
Green Hill Academy – 1,135
BSK Rafters – 1,052
Hill Preparatory School – 984.5
Shree Sahajanand School – 586
Vienna College – 557
Hillside P/S Naalya – 536.5
The Olive School – 375
Top Performers per Age Group
10 & Under
Girls: Denorah Natabi (Aga Khan) – 71 points
Boys: Raan Batuk (Hill Preparatory) – 72 points
11-12 Years
Girls: Mushirah Nabatanzi (Educare Jr.) – 76 points
Boys: Kristian Bwisho (Shree Sahajanand) – 73 points
13-14 Years
Girls: Zara Mbanga (School of Tomorrow) – 70 points
Boys: Jonathan Kaweesa (School of Tomorrow) – 80 points
15 & Over
Girls: Peyton Suubi (School of Tomorrow) – 76 points
Boys: Pendo Kaumi (School of Tomorrow) – 60 points
