As dawn broke over Nairobi on Friday morning, excitement was already building at the magnificent Kasarani Aquatic Stadium.

By 6:00 a.m., swimmers and coaches from across East and Southern Africa had arrived at the venue, beginning their warm-up routines ahead of the opening day of the 2026 Kenya Aquatics National Swimming Championships.

Widely regarded as one of the biggest swimming competitions in the region, the championship has attracted more than 80 clubs and hundreds of swimmers competing over three days of intense racing.

By 8:30 a.m., the first races were underway, with the girls’ 1500m freestyle setting the tone for what would become a long but thrilling day of competition.

The Kasarani Aquatic Stadium provided a fitting stage for the regional showpiece. The spacious and well-organized facility offered ample seating for spectators and designated camping areas for the many teams attending the event. Two marshalling areas ensured a smooth flow of swimmers from warm-up zones to the competition pool, helping organizers manage the large numbers efficiently throughout the day.

While the organization and venue received praise from athletes and coaches alike, the opening day stretched well into the evening, with competition concluding close to 8:00 p.m. The inclusion of demanding endurance events such as the 1500m freestyle races and the gruelling 400m individual medleys contributed to the lengthy schedule. Nevertheless, participants remained optimistic that subsequent days would run slightly faster while maintaining the high standards set on day one.

Amid the excitement and intensity of the opening day, Uganda’s swimming fraternity delivered an impressive statement of intent. Swimmers from Dolphins Swim Club Kampala, Sailfish Swim Club Kampala, Otters Swim Club Uganda, Gators Swim Club Kampala, Imara Aquatics Sports Club, Torpedo Swim Club, and Aqua Akii showcased their talent against some of the strongest competition in the region, collecting medals, finals appearances, and numerous qualifying times.

Dolphins Lead Uganda’s Medal Charge

Dolphins Swim Club Kampala emerged as one of Uganda’s most successful teams on the opening day, collecting several gold medals and podium finishes.

The club’s biggest star of the day was undoubtedly Tyrah Dorothy Muganzi, who captured gold in the Girls 14-15 200m Butterfly. Muganzi swam a controlled race to touch first in 2:49.18, ahead of a strong regional field. She later returned to claim bronze in the Girls 14-15 50m Backstroke, completing an excellent day’s work.

Another standout Dolphins swimmer was Jinan Nakato, who produced one of the fastest performances by any Ugandan swimmer on Day One. Nakato stormed to gold in the Girls 12-13 100m Freestyle, clocking 1:05.88 after leading both the preliminaries and final.

The boys also contributed significantly to the Dolphins medal tally. Benjamin Ssali won gold in the Boys 14-15 200m Butterfly with a commanding swim of 2:36.05, while Malachi Ssali earned silver in the Boys 12-13 200m Butterfly.

In the sprint backstroke events, Dolphins secured multiple medals. Gabriella Opolot won silver in the Girls 14-15 50m Backstroke, while senior swimmer Pendo Kaumi claimed bronze in the Boys 16 and Over 50m Backstroke. Young swimmer Manuel Kitibwa Ssemanda also reached the final of the Boys 12-13 50m Backstroke and finished seventh overall.

The club’s numerous finalists and top-eight finishes across several age groups highlighted the strength of its athlete development programme and its ability to compete across all disciplines.

Gators Dominate the Distance Events

Another standout performance of the day came from Gators Swim Club Kampala’s young distance specialists.

Twelve-year-old Berekiah Lutaaya produced a remarkable swim to win gold in the Boys 12-13 1500m Freestyle. Lutaaya touched the wall in an outstanding 21:19.38, comfortably ahead of the rest of the field and securing maximum points for his club.

Gators continued their strong showing in the distance events through Aiden Akubu Immelman, who claimed silver in the Boys 14-15 1500m Freestyle after clocking 19:35.64. Teammate Jayden Keith Kagumaho also featured strongly in the same event, finishing seventh.

The club’s endurance strength was further highlighted by Benjamin Lutaaya, who earned silver in the Boys 16 and Over 1500m Freestyle with a time of 19:42.95.

Later in the day, Gators added another podium finish through Thembo Katende, who secured silver in the Boys 16 and Over 200m Butterfly, further cementing the club’s status among the day’s strongest performers.

Sailfish Impress Through Their Rising Stars

Sailfish Swim Club Kampala delivered one of the most consistent performances among the Ugandan contingent.

The club opened its medal account through Alma Koome, who secured bronze in the Girls 10-11 1500m Freestyle after a strong swim of 24:23.08.

In the Girls 10-11 200m Butterfly, Sailfish dominated the event by claiming both gold and silver. Katja Kimani produced an excellent performance to win the event in 3:02.87, while teammate Audrey Nyonyintono finished second in 3:17.02.

Sailfish continued to shine in the sprint backstroke events. Gianna Opolot earned silver in the Girls 10-11 50m Backstroke after clocking 37.30, while teammate Seth Kabogoza claimed bronze in the Boys 10-11 category.

The Kampala-based club also celebrated a major podium finish in the senior ranks as Matthew Mwase secured silver in the Boys 16 and Over 50m Backstroke with a time of 29.15.

Sailfish swimmers consistently featured in finals throughout the day, underlining the depth and quality that the club has developed over recent seasons.

Imara Aquatics Continues to Rise

Imara Aquatics Sports Club delivered one of its strongest championship starts in recent years, collecting several medals across age categories.

Gabriela Eleanor Nakimuli impressed in the Girls 12-13 50m Backstroke, finishing fifth in a highly competitive final.

The club’s boys produced even stronger results. Kristian Mugumya Bwisho claimed silver in the Boys 12-13 50m Backstroke, while Ssango Kigundu earned fifth place in the Boys 14-15 50m Backstroke final.

Among the senior swimmers, Karla Mugisha secured bronze in the Girls 16 and Over 50m Backstroke, adding another medal to Uganda’s tally.

These performances demonstrated Imara’s growing reputation as a club capable of producing swimmers who can compete at the highest regional level.

Otters Deliver Strong Finals Performances

Otters Swim Club Uganda also enjoyed a productive opening day.

Najjuma Nisha Pearl narrowly missed the podium in the Girls 12-13 50m Backstroke, finishing fourth in a tightly contested final. Fellow Otters swimmer Valeria Nassozi reached the final of the Girls 10-11 50m Backstroke and finished sixth overall.

On the boys’ side, Arthur Munyiri qualified for the Boys 14-15 50m Backstroke final and placed sixth, while several other Otters swimmers achieved qualifying standards and personal best performances.

Generally, Day One of the Kenya Aquatics National Swimming Championships highlighted the continued growth of Ugandan swimming. From long-distance specialists and butterfly champions to sprint backstroke finalists, Ugandan swimmers consistently challenged for medals across nearly every age group.

Particularly encouraging was the performance of the younger swimmers, many of whom not only reached finals but also achieved qualifying standards and personal best times. Their success reflects the growing quality of coaching, athlete development programmes, and club structures within Uganda.

The atmosphere at Kasarani throughout the day reflected the significance of the championship. Team tents lined the venue, coaches rallied their athletes from poolside, and supporters cheered every race as swimmers chased medals and qualifying times. Despite the demanding schedule, the energy remained high from the opening race in the morning until the final event of the evening.

With two more days of competition remaining, Ugandan teams have positioned themselves strongly for an even bigger medal haul. The performances of Dolphins, Sailfish, Gators, Imara, Otters and the wider Ugandan contingent have already established Uganda as one of the leading forces at this year’s championships.

As competition resumes at Kasarani, all eyes will remain on the Ugandan swimmers as they continue their pursuit of medals, records, and regional glory.

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The stage is set for one of Uganda’s highly awaited swimming competitions as the 6th edition of the Silverfin Pentathlon dives into action this weekend, May 9–10, at Kampala International School Uganda.

Organised by Silverfin Academy, the event is expected to attract more than 600 swimmers from 26 clubs across Uganda and the wider East African region, including a visiting team from Rwanda.

Now in its eighth year since inception, with two editions lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Silverfin Pentathlon has steadily evolved into more than just another swimming gala. It has become a developmental benchmark for young athletes, designed to test versatility, discipline, endurance, and long-term growth in the sport.

Speaking during the official launch of the competition, Silverfin Academy founder Naomi Wandera described the pentathlon as an innovative competition aimed at helping swimmers measure balanced development across all strokes rather than specialising too early.

“We want to see swimmers who are advancing across all strokes,” Wandera explained. “This competition gives them a benchmark to monitor themselves and develop goal-setting skills. A child who cannot plan for when they are 14 or 16 may burn out early through overtraining or losing track because they lack measurable progress across the whole spectrum.”

Unlike standard swim meets that may focus heavily on one or two specialities, the pentathlon format challenges athletes across multiple disciplines. Swimmers will compete in the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, and the 100m individual medley. Age categories range from six-year-olds to senior swimmers aged 17 and above.

According to coach Benon Binta Wamala, the competition structure is intentionally designed to encourage holistic swimming development while exposing athletes to high-level competitive environments.

“The Silverfin Pentathlon is a premier swimming meet,” Wamala said. “It provides a competitive platform for swimmers across various age groups to compete, improve performance, learn, and connect within the swimming community.”

This year’s edition will take place in KISU’s outdoor heated short-course pool featuring eight competition lanes, offering athletes world-class racing conditions. Winners in each age category, both male and female, will receive prizes and certificates, while all participants will earn certificates of participation. National and meet records set during the competition may also be recognised, if approved by Uganda Aquatics.

Over the past decade, clubs such as Silverfin Academy have played an increasingly influential role in talent identification and athlete development, complementing the work of Uganda Aquatics, which will officiate the event. 

Wandera noted that the academy’s broader mission goes beyond competition results, emphasising character building and athlete sustainability.

“The point of emphasis is excellence,” she said. “We want to develop swimmers who understand discipline, goal setting, and who are in swimming for the long term.”

The competition has also attracted growing corporate and community support, underlining the increasing commercial and social value of youth sports in Uganda.

Among the event partners is Pepsi Uganda through Crown Beverages, which has provided 60 cartons of Nirvana water to support hydration during the two-day championship. Representing the company, shopper manager Emmanuel Rutaremwa said the partnership aligns with Pepsi’s community engagement strategy in schools and youth activities.

“We are looking forward to continuity,” Rutaremwa said. “As Pepsi, we are very interested in supporting the community through corporate social responsibility.”

Technology brand Blacklyf Uganda has also joined the event, bringing performance-based incentives, including smartwatches, headphones, and shopping vouchers for outstanding swimmers. Marketing executive Creed Bryan said the partnership reflects the brand’s interest in wellness, discipline, and youth empowerment.

“Swimming represents discipline, community development, and wellness,” Bryan noted. “We always want to be part of the community and support young people in achieving their goals.”

Meanwhile, local beauty and wellness brand The Makeover Place will reward selected swimmers with salon gift cards. Representing the company, swim parent Helen Agume highlighted the broader lifestyle and health benefits of swimming for children.

“It gets them off gadgets, keeps them active, helps them make friends, and keeps them fit,” Agume said.

About the Event

• Event: Silverfin Pentathlon, 6th Edition 
• Date: 9th-10th May 2026
• Venue: Kampala International School Uganda 
• Meet Times: 8:00 a.m.

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When the world gathers for the Youth Olympic Games, it is not just about medals, podiums, or records; it is about stories; stories of beginnings, of resilience, and of dreams still in motion. 

At the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, those stories will be guided, shaped, and inspired by a special group: Athlete Role Models. Among the 31 selected for this global stage is Uganda’s own Jamila Lunkuse, a name that carries both experience and purpose.

The Youth Olympic Games have, since the Singapore 2010 Games, embraced a unique philosophy—developing athletes beyond competition. The Athlete Role Model programme sits at the heart of that vision. These are not just decorated athletes; they are mentors, listeners, and living proof that the journey matters as much as the destination.

At Dakar 2026, over 2,700 young athletes aged 17 and under will gather across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. Representing 25 competitive sports and 10 engagement sports, each discipline will have at least one role model present, not to instruct from a distance, but to walk alongside the athletes.

They will attend training sessions, lead workshops on topics like mental preparation, injury prevention, and career development, and perhaps most importantly, offer something intangible yet powerful: reassurance. The quiet reminder that “you are not alone in this.”

For Lunkuse, being selected is more than an Honor—it is a full-circle moment.

She reflects on her own early days, recalling the nerves of her first major competition in Zimbabwe. The unfamiliarity of long-course racing, the overwhelming emotions, and that lingering feeling that the race would never end. It’s a memory many young athletes at Dakar will recognize instantly.

“I’m not going in with all the answers,” she says. “I’m just going in with my story.” And that’s exactly what makes her presence powerful.

Her approach is simple but profound: show up, be present, and connect. In a world that often celebrates perfection, Lunkuse leans into authenticity. She understands that sometimes, what a young athlete needs most is not technical advice but someone who has felt what they are feeling.

Lunkuse’s message to young athletes stretches far beyond swimming lanes. She speaks about patience, how it took her nearly two years to adjust to life at boarding school in the UK, balancing academics and elite training. She emphasises discipline and time management, shaped by strict schedules and demanding routines. But she also highlights something often overlooked: grace “Balance is possible,” she says, “but it takes time, patience, and being kind to yourself.”

Her philosophy on success is equally refreshing. Not every athlete will become an Olympic champion, and that’s okay. Lunkuse herself points out that her journey didn’t peak with global medals, yet sport opened doors she never imagined: leadership roles, global committees, and the chance to inspire others.

To her, being an athlete is not defined by ranking, but by commitment; the early mornings, the sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

One of the key areas Lunkuse is passionate about is mental preparation. For her, success wasn’t about last-minute changes or dramatic shifts on race day. It was about routine, structure, and trust.

By rehearsing race scenarios in training and relying on well-established systems, she learned to stay calm under pressure. Even when things didn’t go as planned, like moments at the 2012 Summer Olympics, she relied on perspective and support systems to move forward.

This is the knowledge she hopes to pass on: that mental strength is built long before the starting whistle.

With Dakar 2026 marking the first Youth Olympic Games held on African soil, the significance runs deep. Lunkuse sees this as a defining moment, not just for Senegal, but for the entire continent.

She points to African excellence across sports, from swimming icons like Kirsty Coventry and Chad le Clos to dominance in athletics. But beyond achievements, she stresses the importance of representation.

“When young people see athletes who look like them on the world stage, it changes everything.” 

And in Dakar, that visibility will be stronger than ever. Lunkuse’s vision for her role is not measured in numbers or accolades. It is deeply personal. If even one athlete leaves Dakar feeling inspired, validated, or more confident in their journey, regardless of where they finish, she considers that success.

Her goal is simple: to give back everything she has learned, and to remind young athletes that their journey, in all its ups and downs, truly matters.

Who is Jamila Lunkuse?

Jamila Lunkuse is a Ugandan swimmer born in 1997 and a two-time Olympian, having represented Uganda at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. She competed internationally from a young age, winning medals at regional African competitions and setting national records.

Educated at Plymouth College and the University of Brighton, Lunkuse has transitioned from elite competition into sports leadership. She serves on the World Aquatics Athletes’ Committee and has been actively involved in youth development through programs like Discover Water in Uganda.

Now an Athlete Role Model for Dakar 2026, she continues her journey, not just as a swimmer, but as a mentor, shaping the future of sport.

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