Aqua Akii Swim Club, inspired by the legacy of Uganda’s legendary athlete John Akii-Bua, has officially launched and is now fully registered under the Uganda Swimming Federation.
John Akii-Bua, a prominent figure in Uganda’s sports history, began as a short-distance hurdler before excelling in the 400m hurdles, culminating in a gold medal and world record at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.
Operating under North Green School, Aqua Akii Swim Club has swimming as its inaugural sport, although the school offers a variety of other sports. The club, active for seven years, comprises 27 swimmers, 18 of whom are highly competitive.
Aqua Akii first competed in 2023 and recently participated in the national swimming championship, achieving a commendable 9th position out of 22 teams across various age categories.
The club’s mission is to create a nurturing environment for swimmers to develop their skills, build character, and reach their full potential.
Aqua Akii Swim Club boasts talented swimmers such as Tendo Mukalazi, who represented Uganda in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, participating in events including the men’s 50m and 100m freestyle.
Another notable swimmer, Kirabo Namutebi, broke the Ugandan national record in the 50m freestyle at the 2019 FINA World Junior Swimming Championships and represented Uganda at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Additionally, 14-year-old Heer Hitesh Usadadiya, a national record holder in the 200m backstroke and 800m freestyle, represents Uganda in various international competitions.
During the club’s launch, Namanda Hadija, the chairperson of Aqua Akii Swim Club, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are committed to developing holistic individuals with strong values. With the foundation we have set, I believe we will achieve great success and reach the top in the coming years.”
