Ugandan swimmers eager to impress at the Commonwealth Games

Ugandan swimmers are eager to make their mark at this year's Commonwealth Games, which will be held at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow starting July 24.

Uganda is represented by its largest-ever swimming contingent of nine athletes at the Games, comprising four males, three females, and two female para swimmers.

The squad includes Olympians Kirabo Namutebi, Jesse Ssengozi, and Gloria Anna Muzito, who represented Uganda at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The athletes are determined to set new records across the various events they will compete in.

Siblings Namutebi and Mukalazi, both multiple national record holders, are eager to improve on their performances in Scotland. Mukalazi, who also competed at the 2022 Birmingham Games, has set his sights on reaching the semi-finals and finals.

"I want to swim fast, make semis, make finals, maybe win a medal, who knows?" Mukalazi said. "From January we've been setting goals and going through different building blocks, and I'd say right now we're at peak building blocks, so I'm ready to race. I feel like we're more prepared now with every situation and every opportunity presented by our clubs and Uganda Aquatics. I'm looking to improve my personal bests, break some records, and swim fast in general."

Mukalazi, who holds national records in the 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle, will compete in the 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, and 100m Freestyle. Namutebi, meanwhile, will dive in for the 50m Butterfly, 50m Breaststroke, and 50m Freestyle.

"I expect to go out there and really put Uganda on the map—not individually, but as a team in the relay events as well. I think we have a strong contingent going, and I'm excited to see what we can do," Kirabo said.

"In terms of preparation, the hard work has been done. It's now just fine-tuning and looking at the smaller details, because that's what really counts at the end of the day. I'm excited to go out there and represent Uganda for my second Commonwealth Games. It would be nice to come home with personal bests in most of the events I'm swimming. Some will be harder than others, like the 50 freestyle, but I believe in the work I've been doing, and I just plan to execute what I've been practising over the past few months. Whatever the result, I'm going to give it my best and take it as a learning experience."

Naluwooza, who is set to experience her first-ever Commonwealth Games, is aiming for personal bests while enjoying the occasion. She will compete in the 100m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke.

"I have been training hard for this competition, and I know I'm ready," she said.

Kaumi, who clocked 22.65 in the 50m freestyle during the nationals, is also targeting new personal bests and national records.

"Hopefully challenge some national records, mainly the 50 freestyle and the 50 backstroke national records. And then also, I would like to make a semi-final, whether it be in the relay or in my individual events. That's what I'm targeting, Uganda's first semi-final in the Commonwealth Games," said Kaumi, a Stipendium Hugaricum Sport Scholarship holder who has been training in Hungary, where he has set several new national records.

Muzito, who holds national records in the Women's 50m Freestyle (25.29), Women's 50m Butterfly (27.61), and others, is another star expected to leave a mark at the Games. Jordan Ssamula will also compete, diving in for the 100m Breaststroke, 100m Butterfly, 50m Breaststroke, and 200m Breaststroke.

In the para events, Husnah Kukundakwe and Condoleeza Nakazibwe will represent Uganda, competing in the 100m Breaststroke SB8 and 100m Freestyle S9 classes, respectively.