Condoleeza Nakazibwe: Embracing Disability and Excelling in Sport

Some years are unforgettable, and not always for good reasons. For Condoleeza Nakazibwe Nyamisanga, 2019 was such a year when she narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident while returning from swimming classes with her siblings along the Entebbe Expressway.

At just 12-years-old, Nakazibwe, in level six at North-Green School, developed a keen interest in sports, particularly swimming. Her passion for the sport not only inspired her but also caught the attention of her older sibling, Swascof Thembo, and two-time Paralympian Husnah Kukundakwe, creating a supportive environment for her athletic pursuits.

Nakazibwe is outspoken and optimistic about her sporting future, especially after competing against able-bodied athletes.

She expressed her confidence, stating, “I am sure I will outshine my fellow physically impaired compatriots since currently, I swim with normal ones and beat them.” Her determination and competitive spirit reflect her belief in her abilities and her aspirations to excel in swimming.

In an interview with Vision Sports, the future Paralympian dreams big of a successful sports career.

She sadly recounts the ordeal that led to her physical impairment of the left upper limb, which could have tragically cost her life.

“After the accident, I was referred to India, where I had my upper limb amputated. It has not been easy, but I am good at adapting, and this has helped me swiftly get accustomed to my condition,” Nakazibwe shared.

“I was okay with the amputation because it was my only way to life, and I am blessed that my friends at school all embraced me with no remorse.” Her acceptance of her situation and the support she received from her peers highlight her positive outlook and resilience, allowing her to focus on her recovery and her passion for swimming.

With an unwavering love for athletics, particularly sprints, Nakazibwe optimistically looks forward to dedicating herself fully to ensuring she performs at the grand stage in the future. “I am also looking forward to an active athletics career,” she stated, reflecting her ambition and determination to excel in the two chosen sports disciplines.

Nakazibwe encourages fellow persons with physical impairments never to give up, emphasizing that success requires resilience. “Never be belittled due to your disability but rather use it as a source of motivation to make it in life,” she advises.

She is under the technical help of Muzafaru Muwanguzi in swimming and yet to join the mentorship of Jameson Ssenkungu for athletics, who both are specialists in parasport.

Having witnessed her role model, Husnah Kukundakwe, compete at the Paris Paralympics, Nakazibwe commends the brave nature of para-athletes who go the extra mile to demonstrate their abilities beyond their disability. She remarked, “The fact that these athletes compete against themselves and entertain the fans shows how much they should not be underestimated for their acts of bravery. I physically saw Kukundakwe swim her way to a new African record, which was so beautiful.”

The daughter of the current Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) boss, Nyombi Thembo, Condoleeza Nakazibwe Nyamisanga, expresses her gratitude to her parents, who have been a strong pillar of support in her life through both good and bad times. “My parents have been a strong support system, and I thank them for the mental and financial support they have given me to pursue both my education and sports career. I call upon all parents to support their children fully, despite any physical and mental handicaps they may have,” she concluded. Her heartfelt appreciation highlights the importance of parental support in overcoming challenges and achieving one’s dreams.