The 9th edition of the Uganda National Swimming Championship commenced today, June 27th, at the Kampala Parents Swimming Pool.
The event, which will run until June 30th, sees over 700 athletes from 22 clubs competing for national titles across various age groups and categories.
The competition will determine qualifiers for the Zone Three Africa Aquatics Championship set to take place in Burundi this November.
The championship features 26 individual events with participants divided into age groups of 10 and under, 11-12 years, 13-14 years, 15-16 years, and 17 and over for both boys and girls.
The top three swimmers in each category will be awarded medals and other accolades. The event attracts talent from all over Uganda and abroad, although competitors from Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania are absent due to overlapping national championships.
“Our expectation is for all homegrown athletes to compete favourably on the international stage, especially within their age groups. We aim to develop athletes through the Long-Term Athletic Development Program so that in the coming years, we can compete for podium positions regionally and in both youth and senior games,” said Coach Tony Kasujja.
Among the notable competitors is Heer Hitesh Usadadiya, a national record holder for the 15-16 boys age group in the 200m backstroke (2:26.89) and 800m freestyle (9:42.61).
Usadadiya expressed confidence in his performance, stating, “Our team, Aqua Akii Swim Club, is performing exceptionally well, with swimmers consistently reducing their times. If my performance stays strong, I will win the award. I think I should focus on my swimming and not be affected by other clubs.”
The championship is also notable for the recent success of Gloria Muzito and Jesse Ssengonzi, who triumphed in a swimming competition in the Bahamas. The Uganda National Swimming Championship will conclude on Sunday, June 30th.
