A team of six national junior swimmers will represent Uganda at the 15th edition of the Africa Aquatics Swimming and Open Water Swimming Championships at the Cote d'Or National Sports Complex, Saint Pierre, Mauritius, December 6-10.

The six-man team led by Coach Ezra Kalari and USF president Moses Mwase (team manager) left on Monday for the championship ready to ride on Uganda’s recent success that saw them winning the CANA Zone 3 Swimming Championship in Rwanda, last month. The event doubles as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Uganda’s team is composed of Karimah Katemba, Tara Kisawuzi, and Swagia Mubiru, while the boys’ team has Tendo Kaumi, Heer Usadadiya, and Daniel Rukundo.

Usadadiya will be competing in different freestyle, backstroke, and relay events just like Katemba, Kisawuzi, and Kaumi, who also compete in the 5km Open Water Swimming alongside Mubiru and Rukundo.

“I thank the USF, the team the coaches, and everyone that has pushed us through. I hope that when we are there we shall be able to put up a fight, break records, and for us the open water swimmers to finish in time,” Mubiru said.

Kaumi said the team has a chance of making the different finals and said they hope to return with medals and that the team was grateful for the opportunity.

Team coach Kalari said the team was well prepared and urged the team to exhibit teamwork, keep a positive mind, and discipline to excel.  

Mwase thanked the parents for supporting and encouraging the youngsters and noted that the team is in good shape having competed in Rwanda recently. He said African Aquatics, the World Aquatics and the Ugandan government, and the parents had contributed to Uganda’s travel.

The UOC president Donald Rukare who flagged off the team advised the swimmers to take the event seriously as it is different from the zonal championships that they are accustomed to because this was an African event that brings together the best on the continent.

“This is going to be a different experience because countries like South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia are going to be there in full force, so you have to mentally be fortified,” Rukare advised.

“What we need from you is to do your best because the times you make can qualify you for the Olympics. Discipline is also paramount just like issues of safeguarding and responsible social media use,” Rukare stated.

“We hope some of you can qualify for the Olympics and or to Doha at the world championships. Aim for personal bests and national records; those that get medals and or qualify that will be the icing on the cake, so we wish you the best,”