Uganda defends Africa Region 3 Swimming Championship in Kenya
The team from Uganda earned 53 gold medals, 53 silver medals, and 45 bronze medals, accumulating 3,933 points to surpass host nation Kenya by 361 points, as Kenya gathered 3,270.50 points for the championship.
The boys team pose with their trophies at the Kasarani Aquatics Stadium after the championship. Courtesy photo
By Michael Nsubuga
Journalists @New Vision
Uganda's national swimming squad secured 151 medals while successfully retaining their Africa Aquatics Zone 3 title at Kenya's Kasarani Aquatic Stadium on Sunday.
The team from Uganda earned 53 gold medals, 53 silver medals, and 45 bronze medals, accumulating 3,933 points to surpass host nation Kenya by 361 points, as Kenya gathered 3,270.50 points for the championship.
Kenya's swimmers claimed 43 gold, 33 silver, and 25 bronze medals, while Tanzania placed third in the overall standings with 3,270.50 points, earned through 23 gold, 28 silver, and 40 bronze medals in this tenth annual championship edition. Under captain Ampaire Namanya's leadership, the men's squad contributed 1,991 points, whereas the women's team, guided by captain Peyton Suubi, added 1,802 points.
Masters swimmer Peter Mugisha in action at the Munyonyo pool. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Some of the standouts for Uganda included Peyton Mary Suubi who won gold in the 100m breaststroke (1:21.64) ahead of Tanzanian Bridget Heep (1:24.10). She also claimed gold in the 800m freestyle race in 10:08.46 ahead of Kenyan Victoria Okumu and Sudanese Rana Hani Mahmoud who clocked 10:58.13. She also led the 400m freestyle, storming to gold with a winning time of 4:28.37 ahead of Okumu and compatriot Victoria Kirabo, who settled for the silver and bronze respectively.
Uganda was in dominant form topping four of the eight categories with Nisha Pearl Najjuma topping the 12&under with 8 medals (6 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze) ahead of Tanzanian Heydleen Magashi (3 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze) and another Ugandan Jinan Nakato (2gold, and 1bronze).
Jonathan Kaweesa topped the 13-14 with ten individual medals ahead of Tanzanian Max Misokia and Kenyan Baraka Makundi who collected seven and two medals respectively.
Peyton Suubi bagged ten in the girls 15-16 years category, ahead of Tanzanian Filbertha Demelo (2 gold and 2 silver) and Ugandan Rahmah Nakasule who managed two gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Tara Kisawuzi was the other Ugandan star, coming top in the girls’ 17&over with 11 (7 gold and 4 silver) ahead of Kenyans Caffini Duini and Audrey Langat with four and three medals respectively.
Elijah Ayesiga and Christian Bwisho also managed second and third places in the boys’ 12&under with eight and six medals below Kenyan Don Ndirangu who notches eight gold.
Kyle Kaweesa, Jonathan Kaweesa, Giovanni Mbanga, Zara Marie Mbanga, Isaiak Kuc, Dorothy Muganzi, Jordan Musoke, Mackyla Ssali, Pendo Kaumi were some of the other Ugandan medalists among others over the different events and age groups.
The Ugandan 15&over girls’ team topped the 400m freestyle relay with Tara Kisawuzi, Rahmah Nakasule, Peyton Suubi and Kirabo Ssetumba as the stars.
There were also some golden moments for the Uganda Masters team, with Resty Kiwuka (39.62), Yuda Ssekamatte (29.62), Alex Kateeba (32.17), and Peter Mugisha (41.56) all winning gold from the 50m freestyle events where Donald Rukare picked silver in the different age categories.
Peter Ssebanakitta, Patricia Ejalu, Charles Obwana, and Rukare also added gold medals from the other events as well. Uganda will host the same event next year.
Combined team scores
Uganda 3,933
Kenya Team-A 3,572. 50
Tanzania - Tanzanites 3,270. 50
Rwanda 1,454 5
Burundi 989. 50 6
Sudan 328 7
Somalia 133
Nigeria 125. 50
Eritrea 24