National records tumble as Kaumi, Kirabo dominate butterfly events

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National swimmers Tendo Kaumi and Kirabo Namutebi lit up the tenth edition of the Uganda Aquatics Swimming Nationals, setting new national records in the 50m butterfly races.

Dolphins’ Kaumi clocked 25.77 seconds, while Gators’ Kirabo recorded 28.65 seconds as they claimed gold in events where Pendo Kaumi (26.56) and Ian Aziku (26.72) took silver and gold, respectively.

University of Indianapolis swimmer Kirabo, representing Aqua Akii, touched home ahead of Sailfish’s Avice Meya (30.03) and Charlotte Sanford (30.10), who settled for silver and bronze, respectively.

Tendo Kaumi set a new national record over the 50m butterfly race. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)

In the girls’ 15–16 category, Gators’ Tara Kisawuzi also set a new national record in the 50m butterfly, clocking 29.07 to take gold. Aquatic Academy’s Rahmah Nakasule (29.86) and Silverfin’s Ba Raya Inell (30.45) followed in second and third.

Jaguars’ Peyton Mary Suubi remained dominant in the 13–14 category, posting 30.35 ahead of Gliders’ Tyrah Muganzi (30.69) and fellow Jaguar Marie Zarie Mbanga, who earned bronze in 31.16.

Torpedoes’ Jonathan Kaweesa, Gators’ Abdou Hakim, and Altona’s Elijah Wamala all registered personal bests of 27.4, 28.71, and 29.84 seconds to claim gold, silver, and bronze, respectively.

Gators’ duo Peterson Inhensiko (26.71) and Joel Nyaika (27.30) shared the podium with Silverfin’s Isaiah Kuc, who clocked 26.74 to finish second.

In the Girls 10 & Under 50m butterfly, Sailfish’s Audrey Nyonyintono led with 34.99, ahead of Ozpreys’ Gianna Opolot (35.97) and Silverfin’s Diarah Sama (37.44).

In the boys’ category of the same event, Aqua Akii’s Tzion Tamale clocked 36.36 to take gold, followed by Black Panthers’ Liam Kirabo Kaweesa (36.44) and Dolphins’ Maynard Mukisa (36.72), who posted a personal best.

Jaguars’ Shivon Nagginda dominated the girls’ 11–12 category with a time of 31.64, as Gliders’ Francesca Nazziwa (32.00) and Aquatic Academy’s Mushirah Nabatanzi (33.09) claimed silver and bronze.

In the boys’ 11–12 race, Silverfin’s Elisha Kato (30.53) broke Gators’ Abdou Hakim Seck’s previous record by 0.27 seconds. His teammate Elijah Walusimbi (31.25) joined him on the podium, winning bronze, while Sailfish’s Jordan Musoke took silver in 30.93.