Breaking barriers: Fred Masisa sets sights on 2024 Paralympic Games

Fred Masisa, a remarkable para-athlete has consistently defied limitations throughout his career, both on the national and international stages.

As a T11 athlete, Fred competes with the invaluable guidance of a partner and has become a beacon of inspiration for those with visual impairments.

Currently, in his final year as a literature in English major at Makerere University, Masisa is not only pursuing his academic dreams but also setting his sights on the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Born in Soronko district, Fred Masisa entered this world as an ordinary child. However, at the age of six, he endured a life-altering ordeal, an experience etched into his memory as vividly as if it had occurred yesterday.

“When I was approximately six years old, I innocently played with a bedsheet, which tragically led to a severe injury to my eyes. The immediate consequence was a torrent of tears, followed by painful swelling. Despite undergoing surgery shortly after the accident, my eyes only deteriorated further. By the time I reached primary six, I had lost my sight entirely,” Masisa explained.

Masisa's journey into athletics commenced in 2012 during his secondary school years at Madera St. Francis Secondary School for the Blind. Upon his enrollment at Makerere University in 2017, his athletic aspirations were reignited, thanks to the guidance of para-athletics coach James Ssenkungu. Rather than dwelling on his disability, Masisa chose to harness it as a source of inspiration, aiming to encourage a new generation of visually impaired athletes to venture into the world of athletics.

“During my childhood, I had a genuine passion for running. Even as early as primary four, before the loss of my sight, I enjoyed sprinting. However, it wasn't until I enrolled at Makerere University that I had the privilege of being mentored by an exceptional coach who wholeheartedly supported my ambition to become an athlete,” Masisa noted

Masisa draws his inspiration from Paralympics silver and bronze medalist David Emong, nurturing the hope that one day when he clinches a medal, he will earn a government monthly stipend. His unwavering confidence in maintaining a positive mindset fuels his determination to realize his dreams.

Guided by his trusty companion, Joshua Jagalo, Masisa competes in the 100 and 400 meters events. He dedicates himself to rigorous training at the Makerere University main sports ground, where he enthusiastically shares the track with able-bodied athletes. Masisa's self-assuredness remains unwavering as he pursues his dream of competing on the Olympic stage.

“I have had the opportunity to race alongside able-bodied athletes, and I've consistently posted faster times than them. This experience has boosted my confidence, convincing me that I can excel even more when I compete against athletes with similar abilities. Training with able-bodied athletes has been a deliberate choice, as they typically possess greater speed and competitiveness. When I achieve better times during these training sessions, it sets the stage for me to perform exceptionally well in races within my category, making victory more achievable,” Masisa emphasized

Similar to numerous para-athletes, Masisa faces the same challenges that afflict disabled athletes. He highlights the scarcity of essential training resources and financial limitations as the primary hurdles he confronts.

Coach James Ssekungu concurs, emphasizing that if Masisa was provided with all the necessary resources to train effectively, he could easily rank among the world's top para-athletes in the 100 and 400-meter events.

“I had the privilege of meeting Masisa when he first entered the university, and I've witnessed his consistent growth and improvement. Based on the remarkable times he has achieved, it is clear that he has already earned his spot at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. If he can excel under these challenging circumstances, just imagine the incredible heights he could reach with the support he truly deserves. His future is bright and I know he will make it to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games," Coach Ssenkungu enthusiastically remarked.

Masisa continues to nurture hope that someday he will secure the funds needed for a successful operation to restore his sight. With excitement, he expressed his deep desire to regain his vision, eagerly anticipating the moment when he could finally see his wife, coach, and guide.

“Aside from my parents, whom I last saw at a young age, I have never had the opportunity to visually perceive the individuals who have been by my side throughout my athletic journey. I first met them after losing my sight, so I am filled with a deep longing to witness their appearances. Furthermore, I harbor a profound curiosity about my image because I have never had the chance to see myself as a grown-up, and I am eager to discover how I look,”

When Masisi reflects on his journey, he firmly believes that without his involvement in athletics, participating in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games would have been an impossible feat.

Maasi's story is a powerful testament to the fact that disability does not equate to inability. Whether someone is able-bodied or differently abled, how they choose to harness their talents will ultimately shape their life's purpose.