Swimmer Gloria Muzito and Jesse Ssengozi qualify for Paris Olympic Games

The Uganda Swimming Federation (USF) has announced the two swimmers who will represent the country at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Gloria Muzito and Jesse Ssengozi join the roster, bringing the total number of Ugandan athletes to 23.

Muzito secured her spot by competing against Kirabo Namutebi based on World Aquatics rankings, while Ssengozi contended with Tendo Mukalazi. Gloria earned 786 points, surpassing Namutebi's 761 points. Meanwhile, Ssengozi collected 765 points, outshining Mukalazi, who garnered 722 points.

Unlike athletes who qualify directly by World Aquatics standards, Uganda did not have any swimmers qualify directly. Thus, the USF had to wait for universality quota allocation. Universality allows each member federation of World Aquatics that has not qualified any athlete for the Olympics to send two athletes to the Games.

USF President Moses Mwase confirmed the challenges of having swimmers qualify for the Olympics by standard.

“The Olympic qualifying standards are high. However, we have put up a strategy to see that our swimmers can meet those standards,” Mwase explained. He also highlighted the financial impact of the journey to meet the Olympic qualifying standards.

Having athletes at the Olympics is every federation’s dream. Mwase expressed gratitude for the universality card extended to the federation.

“The Olympics is not only about winning medals but also about being there. Being at the Olympics is a medal in itself. It is a motivation for us to be at the Olympics, and I hope this milestone will inspire our swimmers to improve their times,” Mwase highlighted.

The team will be under the guidance of Coach Tony Kasajja, although they are not expected to return to Uganda before the Games. Kasajja explained that the swimmers will continue training in the USA, where they are also studying.

 “We always have meetings with the team to see what help and requirements they need. We coordinate with their helpers in the USA to ensure they keep training and stay in shape ahead of the Olympic Games,” Kasajja explained.

In total, Uganda has so far qualified 23 athletes: 19 athletes, two swimmers, one cyclist (Charles Kagimu), and a rower (Kathleen Noble). The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are set for July 26 - August 11.