The 17th edition of the Summer Paralympics commenced in Paris on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, and will run until September 8, 2024.
Uganda is being represented by a team of four athletes who are ready to showcase their talents on the world stage in three sports displines: swimming, athletics, and powerlifting.
Star swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe, who is participating in her second Paralympic Games, will start her campaign today with the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB8 heats at 11:10 AM at the Paris La Défense Arena.
Kukundakwe, who made history as the youngest Paralympian at Tokyo 2020, will also compete in the Women’s 50m Freestyle S8 heats on Thursday, September 5, and the Women’s 100m Butterfly S8 heats on Saturday, September 7.
The 17-year old was a torchbearer for this year’s Games, and will be hoping to beat her personal best that she achieved at Tokyo 2020 in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB8, and also progress to the final for the first time.
David Emong will compete in the Men’s 1500m T46 final on Saturday, August 31, at 10:58 AM at the Stadium de France.
The two-time Paralympic medalist will take to the track in pursuit of yet another accolade.
Emong, who secured silver in the 1500m T46 at the Rio 2016 Games and bronze in the same event at Tokyo 2020, is on a mission to become the first Ugandan to claim three Paralympic medals across consecutive editions.
Peace Oroma, who had the honour of being one of Uganda’s flag bearers during the Opening Ceremony at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees, is set to compete in the Women’s 1500m T13 heats today at 9:36 PM at the Stadium de France.
Should she advance, she will race in the finals on Saturday, August 31, at 7:10 PM. Oroma is also scheduled to compete in the Women’s 400m T13.
This is Oroma’s second appearance at the Paralympic Games, and she is eager to build on her past experiences, aiming for a strong performance in both events.
Team Uganda’s captain, Denis Mbazira, will be competing in the Men’s 88kg Final on Saturday, September 7, at 2:35 PM at La Chapelle Arena.
Mbazira, is making history as Uganda’s first-ever Paralympic powerlifter, and his presence in this year’s Paralympic Games is a milestone for the country.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have drawn in over 4,400 athletes from 200 countries, all competing across 22 disciplines.
Team Uganda Schedule at Paris 2024 Paralympics:
Friday, August 30
Husnah Kukundakwe – Swimming, Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB8 (Heats) at 11:10 AM, Paris La Défense Arena.
Peace Oroma – Athletics, Women’s 1500m T13 (Heats) at 9:36 PM, Stadium de France.
Saturday, August 31
David Emong – Athletics, Men’s 1500m T46 (Final) at 10:58 AM, Stadium de France.
Peace Oroma – Athletics, Women’s 1500m T13 (Final) at 7:10 PM, Stadium de France (if she qualifies).
Thursday, September 5
Husnah Kukundakwe – Swimming, Women’s 50m Freestyle S8 (Heats) at 11:15 AM, Paris La Défense Arena.
Saturday, September 7
Husnah Kukundakwe – Swimming, Women’s 100m Butterfly S8 (Heats) at 10:45 AM, Paris La Défense Arena.
Denis Mbazira – Powerlifting, Men’s 88kg Final at 2:35 PM, La Chapelle Arena.
