Formidables celebrate success, eye medals at World Championships

Following recent successes that saw them defend the Formidables Master Gala and come out top at the nationals in May and July, respectively, the Formidables Masters Swimming Club continued their tradition of honouring their best and their sponsors during a party at Waves Fitness Harbour, Ntinda, on Friday.

As they prepare to send swimmers to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, this year, Formidables, captained by Peter Ssebanakitta, said over the last six years the club has grown from a small recreational swimming group into Uganda's leading master's swimming club.

"As I speak, we proudly contribute the largest number of swimmers to Uganda's national master's team. We have represented the club and country at the regional level through the various Africa Aquatics Zone 3 competitions. The Formidables have competed in Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi and are hoping to contribute the biggest number of swimmers when Uganda hosts the event later this year.

The formidbales women's swimming team pose at the Waves Fitness Harbour, August 7, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

"We successfully defended our title at the Formidables Master Gala and came top at the nationals. These victories are the result of teamwork, discipline, input from our coaches, and commitment from every member. I thank you for this," Ssebanakitta said.

"Now, we are not stopping there; we are already looking ahead to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Hopefully, we will be able to send an even larger and stronger team, and maybe we shall break through and come back with a medal or two."

The club recognised three special groups of their membership, handing out certificates to the most improved male and female swimmers, Wasley Songok and Freedah Byamugisha, as well as to coaches Louis Wolimbwa, Chitumba Kanchela, and Henry Kakooza.

The club also recognised their sponsors: Crown Beverages, Hema Water, Gauff Engineering, Waves Fitness Harbour, ZCCC Limited, and Trendy Sports, in a celebration of the Formidables family.

The club chairman, Donald Rukare, encouraged the members to continue swimming not only for medals and friendship, but for life, swimming for health and competition.

"And I think this can evolve into even investment. There are many things we can do, but it's really the socialisation, the camaraderie."

He also thanked the sponsors and past chairman Geoffrey Kihuguru for supporting the club. Kihuguru praised Rukare for being a source of inspiration to the club.