National swimming team head coach Latif Kajumbi says the squad selected for this year’s Africa Junior Aquatics Championship is ready to compete at the highest level.
The team comprises eight swimmers—four boys and four girls—who will participate in butterfly, freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and relay events across the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m distances.
Kajumbi made the remarks during the team’s official flag-off ceremony held at Lugogo. The event was presided over by State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang and attended by International Olympic Committee board member William Blick, Uganda Swimming Federation president Moses Mwase, and parents of the swimmers.
The team is captained by Calvin Kawuma and includes Tara Kisawuzi, Rahmah Kalungi, Peterson Inhensiko, Mary Suubi, Ian Aziku, Heer Usadadiya, and Charlotte Sarnford.
“We have good distance swimmers. Much as it’s the juniors, we have record holders and I know we will be victors,” Kajumbi said.
After weeks of intensive training at the Olympic-size pool at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kajumbi noted that the best-performing swimmers were selected based on their strengths.
“It’s a tough team that can even make the cut for the Africa Seniors. This marks an increase in the number of swimmers representing the country. It took time to put the team together, and selections were merit-based,” he added.
The championship also serves as preparation for upcoming international competitions, including the ANOCA Junior Olympics in Morocco and the Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia later this year.
