Ugandan para-athletes Myleen Kyomuhendo and Elizabeth Mwesigwa have turned personal challenges into national pride, using sport as a platform to inspire change and push for equality.
Kyomuhendo, captain of Uganda’s Para Basketball team, was born able-bodied but became disabled following an accident while studying at Makerere University Business School.
Her journey back to confidence was marked by years of navigating inaccessible facilities, financial strain, and social barriers. Despite these obstacles, she has emerged as one of the country’s leading sports figures, using her story to inspire others.
Mwesigwa’s challenges began at birth with a physical disability, compounded by growing up in a rural village where discrimination and limited access to resources were common.
Determined to break barriers, she has not only represented Uganda on the global stage but also supported more than 250 children with disabilities, helping them gain practical skills and opportunities.
Both athletes have called on the government to recognise and reward para-athletes for their achievements in the same way as their able-bodied counterparts.
Their stories will be featured this Sunday at 7 PM on NBS Sport in Women in Sport, highlighting the resilience and achievements of Uganda’s para-athletes.
