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Ugandan swimmers make strong statement on opening day of Kenya National Championships

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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.

Credit: Sonko Portaiture

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.

Credit: Sonko Portaiture

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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Dolphins’ Fast & Furious Gala 2026 set to ignite Kampala Parents School

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The pool at Kampala Parents School in Naguru is set for a weekend of speed, excitement and fierce competition as the Dolphins Fast & Furious Swimming Gala 2026 brings together some of Uganda’s finest young swimmers.

The highly anticipated gala has attracted 600 swimmers from 37 clubs, promising a competitive weekend as athletes battle for personal bests, medals, records and the coveted title of the fastest swimmer in their respective age groups.

The swimmers will compete across the four major strokes: freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly, with younger swimmers taking part in 25-metre races, while the older age groups will compete over 50 metres. The gala will also feature Individual Medley (IM) events across all age groups, adding another test of versatility and endurance.

For Dolphins Swim Club Kampala coach Tony Kasujja, the name Fast & Furious perfectly captures what spectators should expect. 

“Fast & Furious is an event where everything is so fast. It is an explosive event, very exciting, with a lot of speed and a lot of water all over the place,” Kasujja said.

After weeks of intensive preparation, Kasujja believes the swimmers are ready to deliver a memorable competition, with the club targeting a major haul of new Dolphins Fast & Furious records. 

“Last year we had about 10 records broken, but this time we expect all 50 records to be broken,” he said.

Beyond medals, the gala has been designed to reward speed and excellence. The fastest swimmer in each age group will receive medals and rewards, while swimmers who break Dolphins Fast & Furious records will walk away with prizes, alongside gift hampers and other prizes.

Kasujja is also confident of a strong turnout, particularly because the gala comes towards the end of the major swimming calendar, allowing many athletes to compete while in good form. 

“We expect a very big turnout. Many athletes are fit, and they are going to perform really well, so just look forward to the event,” he added.

The excitement is equally high among the Dolphins swimmers, many of whom are targeting personal bests and medals. Babirye Jehan is particularly looking forward to the 50m backstroke and freestyle, intending to cut her times and potentially break some of the existing records.

Rutendo is equally determined to turn weeks of hard training into her personal best performances, with breaststroke, freestyle, butterfly and backstroke featuring prominently among her favourite events.

For Moses, the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle are among the races to watch. He expects intense competition in the freestyle, where several swimmers have closely matched times, while he is targeting a significant improvement in the 50m butterfly.

“I haven’t swum it in quite a while, so my expectation is to cut at least three seconds on my 50 Fly,” he said.

Jeremiah Magera’s attraction will be the 100m Individual Medley, an event several swimmers are particularly excited about after a long absence from their competition schedules.

Magera is also targeting the event after recently setting personal bests at the Gators Invitational Gala, but wants to see how much more time can be shaved off after another three weeks of training.

For Kasujja Tryan, the Fast & Furious Gala is an opportunity to chase personal bests, medals and a place in the relays, with the 100m IM among her most anticipated events.

With 600 swimmers, 37 clubs, multiple age-group races, record incentives and prizes for the fastest competitors, the Dolphins Fast & Furious Gala 2026 promises to be one of the weekend’s biggest swimming attractions.

As the swimmers put the final touches to their preparations, all eyes will turn to Kampala Parents School, Naguru, where speed, determination and youthful talent will take centre stage.

The countdown is on. The swimmers are ready. Kampala is set for Fast & Furious.

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Uganda’s young swimmers make their mark at ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi

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Uganda’s swimming team produced a competitive showing at the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi, Kenya, finishing the championships with nine medals: three gold, three silver and three bronze to place second on the overall medal table behind hosts Kenya.

The swimming championships, hosted by Kenya Aquatics at Kasarani Aquatic Stadium, brought together young athletes from across the region, with Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Sudan among the teams represented. Kenya dominated the final standings with 23 medals, including 12 gold, while Uganda’s nine-medal haul underlined the country’s strong presence among the region’s emerging swimming nations.

For Uganda, the campaign was driven by a group of promising young swimmers who consistently challenged for podium positions across freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and relay events.

Arthur Mwase

One of Uganda’s standout performers was Arthur Mwase, who opened his campaign with victory in the men’s 14–17 100m freestyle.

Mwase clocked 57.06 seconds to take gold, finishing ahead of Kenya’s Tevin Waweru, who posted 57.74, and Rwanda’s ShejaKean Murenzi, who finished in 58.31.

He also featured prominently in Uganda’s relay teams. Together with Jonathan Kaweesa, Tyler Muganzi and Rahama Nakasule, Mwase helped Uganda to second place in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay, with the team stopping the clock at 4:11.17, behind Kenya’s 4:04.20.

The Ugandan quartet returned to the podium in the mixed 4x100m medley relay, recording 5:03.70 for another silver medal. Mwase anchored the team, following legs by Nakasule, Kaweesa and Muganzi.

Mwase also finished fourth in the men’s 200m freestyle, clocking 2:11.69 after splitting 1:02.78 at the halfway mark.

Ezra Kalali (Coach), Jonathan Kaweesa, Arthur Mwase, Tyler Muganzi and Rahama Nakasule

Tyler Muganzi was another major contributor to Uganda’s medal success.

Muganzi won the women’s 14–17 50m butterfly in 30.62 seconds, narrowly edging Kenya’s Lisa Kamphuis, who finished in 30.70. Uganda’s Rahama Nakasule completed the podium for the Ugandan team in 30.83, giving Uganda both gold and bronze in the event.

Muganzi later added another gold medal in the women’s 100m butterfly, touching in 1:09.60. Kenya’s Nadia Vusha was second in 1:14.85, while another Kenyan competitor was disqualified.

Her performances made her one of Uganda’s most successful swimmers at the championships and highlighted the country’s strength in the butterfly events.

Jonathan Kaweesa

Jonathan Kaweesa also delivered a number of strong performances.

He finished third in the men’s 50m butterfly in 27.40 seconds, behind Kenya’s Jeremy Rieck and Andrew Ogola.

Kaweesa also claimed third place in the men’s 50m freestyle, clocking 26.05 seconds. His time came after a 24.97 seed mark, with Kenya’s Baraka Nyakundi winning in 25.29 and Isaiah Gitonga taking silver in 25.72.

He was also part of both Uganda mixed relay teams that secured silver medals, making him an important component of the team’s overall medal campaign.

Rahama Nakasule

Rahama Nakasule contributed strongly to Uganda’s medal tally, featuring in the women’s sprint and relay events.

She took bronze in the 50m butterfly in 30.83 seconds, just behind teammate Muganzi and Kenya’s Kamphuis.

Nakasule also earned silver in the women’s 50m backstroke, recording 35.30 seconds behind Kenya’s Lisa Kamphuis, who won in 33.12.

Her contribution extended to the relay events, where she was part of Uganda’s silver-medal-winning mixed 4x100m freestyle and medley quartets.

The final medal standings placed Uganda comfortably second behind hosts Kenya, with three gold, three silver and three bronze medals for nine medals overall. Rwanda finished third with six medals, all bronze, while Tanzania, Ethiopia and Sudan each collected one bronze.

The championships provided valuable exposure against swimmers from across Zone V. For Uganda’s young athletes, the experience went beyond the medals: racing in a regional multi-sport Games environment offered an opportunity to test their speed, composure and consistency against some of East Africa’s leading youth swimmers.

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Uganda Swim Team dominates FEASSA 2026 as medals, records and depth deliver Regional Supremacy

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Uganda’s dominance at the 2026 Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) swimming championships in Morogoro, Tanzania, was a collective display of depth, consistency and versatility that saw the Uganda Swim Team finish comfortably at the top of the standings after two days of competition.

Uganda collected 51 medals, 28 gold, 16 silver and 7 bronze to finish well ahead of Kenya’s 37 medals and Tanzania’s eight. The dominance was almost perfectly balanced across the two categories, with the Ugandan men winning 22 medals and the women 27.

More significantly, Uganda accumulated 1169 team points, beating Kenya’s 1007 and Tanzania’s 550. The Ugandan women led their category with 589 points, while the men also topped the standings with 580 points.

The strongest feature of Uganda’s campaign was the number of swimmers capable of producing podium finishes. In the women’s individual rankings, Zara Marie Mbanga and Kenya’s Vekheina Leboy shared top billing on 60 points, while Uganda’s Gabriella Opolot finished third on 57 and Rahmah Nakasule Kalungi fourth on 54. Jinan Nabuyungo Nakato and Tyrah Muganzi Dorothy also featured inside the top ten with 40 points each, while Paloma Kirabo, Keyshia Karen Mwangi, Nisha Pearl Najjuma and Crystal Katelyn Tendo Ssemanda all contributed significant points.

The men’s competition was similarly strong. Ethani Ssengooba topped the individual standings with 60 points, followed by teammate Peterson Inhensiko on 57. Jonathan Kaweesa, Alex Mwine Rumanyika and Kyle Christian Kimuli Kaweesa each collected 40 points, while Shaun Murungi Kairumba and Swarkorpf Thembo Katende Kyeyune also finished among the leading Ugandan scorers.

Mbanga was one of the clearest individual standouts for Uganda. The 14-year-old opened strongly in the 200m individual medley, qualifying first in 2:33.12, which was listed as a FEASSA record, before winning the final in 2:33.64. She followed that with victory in the 100m breaststroke, winning in 1:21.04 after setting another FEASSA record of 1:19.07 in the preliminaries. Her versatility was further demonstrated in the 50m breaststroke, where she won in 36.83 after qualifying in a record 36.54.

In the 50m butterfly for swimmers aged 15 and under, Tyrah Muganzi Dorothy won gold in 29.73, with teammate Gabriella Opolot taking silver in 31.22. Muganzi later completed another victory in the 100m butterfly, winning in 1:10.37, ahead of fellow Ugandan Nakasule Kalungi. Opolot was equally influential, winning the 50m backstroke in 33.25 and the 100m backstroke in 1:13.20. Nakasule added gold in the 50m backstroke for the 16-and-over category, while Kirabo Paloma and Keyshia Karen Mwangi also secured strong finishes in the butterfly and freestyle events.

The freestyle events provided further evidence of Uganda’s depth. Jinan Nakato won the 50m freestyle in 28.83, while Ssemanda finished third. Nakato and Ssemanda then went one-two in the 100m freestyle, clocking 1:04.56 and 1:05.00 respectively.

On the men’s side, Ssengooba was the standout performer. He won the 200m individual medley in 2:20.68, matching the listed FEASSA record, before taking gold in the 100m freestyle in a record 53.83. He also won the 50m freestyle in 24.44. His performances gave Uganda a dependable source of points in the sprint and medley events, while teammates ensured the team never became overly reliant on him.

Peterson Inhensiko was another key contributor, winning the 50m backstroke in a FEASSA-record 28.32 and the 100m backstroke in 1:04.00. He also finished second behind Ssengooba in the 50m freestyle. Meanwhile, Alex Mwine Rumanyika was outstanding in butterfly. He won the 50m butterfly in a record 26.71 and followed it with victory in the 100m butterfly in 1:00.34, also a FEASSA record. Jonathan Kaweesa added another sprint title, winning the boys’ 15-and-under 50m freestyle in a record 24.96.

Uganda also won all six relay events on the programme. The girls won both the 200m medley and 200m freestyle relays, while the boys also swept their two relay events. Uganda then completed the clean sweep by winning both mixed relays.

The margins were particularly telling. Uganda’s boys’ 200m medley relay finished in 1:51.32, ahead of Kenya’s 1:53.88, while the girls’ medley team clocked 2:09.81 compared with Kenya’s 2:15.53.

The mixed 200m medley relay was even more emphatic, with Uganda finishing in 2:00.39, more than ten seconds ahead of Kenya.

The relay results underline one of the defining features of Uganda’s campaign: the swimmers were not only capable of winning individually but could combine effectively as a team.

With Uganda winning every relay, topping both the men’s and women’s team standings, producing the leading individual scorer in the men’s competition and placing several swimmers near the top of the women’s rankings, the FEASSA 2026 championship became a clear statement of regional strength.

Uganda did not merely win the championship; it controlled it across the individual races, relays, medal table and team points, a performance that reflected depth as much as star quality.

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