At just 13 years old, Hannah Nakamya, a Primary Six pupil at Kampala School of the Handicapped in Mengo, is making a mark both on and off the tennis court.
Born with a physical disability, Nakamya has faced years of social exclusion and emotional hardship, but has found a renewed sense of purpose through wheelchair tennis.
Throughout her early childhood, Nakamya grappled with the pain of being mocked and misunderstood. While her peers played and made friends, she often remained isolated, weighed down by the emotional toll of stigma and rejection.
“Each time they mock me, I feel like killing myself. They don’t know that I am also a human being,” Nakamya said.
Her turning point came when she was introduced to wheelchair tennis—a sport that has since become a powerful outlet for her resilience and self-worth.
“I feel so good and happy when I am playing tennis. I feel like playing it all day and night without resting because through playing tennis I got a family that believes in me,” she noted.
Hannah’s coach describes her as one of Uganda’s most promising young talents in the sport. Her technical development and mental fortitude have positioned her as a potential future representative for Uganda on the international wheelchair tennis circuit.
While she dreams of competing at the highest level, Nakamya’s journey carries a message beyond sport.
Her experience is a reminder of the transformative power of opportunity, support, and inclusion—especially for young people living with disabilities.
Her story continues to inspire peers and adults alike, highlighting the potential that lies within when young individuals are empowered to rise above the odds.
