Lugave wins inaugural Bika swimming championships

The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi has hailed the organisers of the Kabaka Birthday sports activities for the professionalism they exhibited in running all the activities.

The Kabaka was presiding over the "Empaka Zo'kuwuga mu Bika" finals at Kampala Parents School on Saturday where he presented the winners of the inaugural competition-Lugave the winners' trophy.

Nyange's Ahmed Kirimanyi (left), Ngabi's Achram Lubega and Ente's Shadrack Ayesiga pose with their medals after the Bika swimming championships at KPS, April 16 2016. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

"Organising those events required hard working and experienced people and I think you all saw how they all went on well and they were exciting. I want to congratulate all those who have won today," Mutebi said, before he caused laughter when he said: "I personally know how to swim and I'm not afraid of water; but what I do after  entering the pool is I walk from one end to the other and later I claim to have swam," Mutebi joked

"Otherwise I'm happy to note that we now have youngsters who we hope will continue to represent their clans and Uganda at the highest level," Mutebi remarked.

In the pool, inaugural winners Lugave used both experienced and upcoming swimmers to win with 324.50 points, with their captain Nuwa Senkebe Sserunjogi leading the charge with 5 gold medals.

Ngabi's Ampaire Namanya in action during the Bika swimming finals at Kampala Parents School pool, April 16 2016. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He was also instrumental in the 200m mixed relay which the victors dominated alongside the girls' 15&over and 14& under ones.

The victors also relied on their numbers in the swimming fraternity to easily romp to victory with Ssinzi Nabatanzi and assimilated swimmer Joy Alande, also picking 5 gold each from different races.

Jeremiah Katende, Alexis Kituuka, Trevor Mwachoka, Neema Kangi, Mark Sserunjogi and Daya Yalonda were the other stars for Lugave who beat second placed Nte by 157 points.

Lugave's Ssinzi Nabatanzi in action in the Individual Medley race during the Bika swimming finals at Kampala Parents School pool, April 16 2016. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Marina Nakimuli, Hope Kukundakwe, Jordan Mugabe, Natalie Lutalo, Shadrack Ayesiga, Daisy Ayebare and Frank Mugisha were the stars for Ente Clan.

Third placed Musu were inspired by brothers Christian, Christopher and Carlton Musenze who won 12 medals between themselves. The Musenzes collected 74 points with Zaituni Tomusange, John Ojangole, Terry Naginda, Mercy Nabasinde and Martha Asio

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi (left) poses with Lugave captain Nuwa Sserunjogi (2nd left) and team mates Daya Yalonda, Jeremiah Katende, Alexis Kituuka and Ssinzi Nabatanzi (right) look on after presenting them the Bika Swimming Championship trophy, April 16 2016. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Twenty eight clans including Mamba, Engo, Nyonyi Nyange, Mutima, Balangira, Mbogo, Njaza, Kobe, Nvubu, Mbwa, Butiko, Ngonge, Mpologoma, Mpindi, Nvuma, Bachwa, Bagema and Nyonyi competed in the inaugural edition of the championship.

Top ten clans

Lugave 324.50pts

Ente 167

Musu 138.50

Ngabi 123

Njovu 118

Fumbe 108

Nsenene 87

Nkima 73

Ndiga 72

Ngeye 60