Kirabo, Mukalazi send out SOS for CANA championships

Two-time Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) swimmers of the year Tendo Mukalazi and Kirabo Namutebi are on the verge of missing out on another opportunity to bring more glory to the country.

Namutebi, 13 and Mukalazi, 16, have been selected as part of Uganda's national team to take part in the Cana Zone 3 swimming championships due in Khartoum, November 14-17, but lack funding to the championship. Last year they won 13 medals between them in a similar tournament held in Tanzania.

The two Dolphins Swim Club swimmers recently participated in the Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) national championship where they inspired their side to a second place finish out of 33 clubs. Kirabo won 8 gold medals while Tendo claimed 1 silver and 2 bronze. The five-time national champions (2013-2018) must now raise $2,800 (sh10m) (for both) for the trip and event that is two weeks away.

They both need sh4.5m for the air tickets, sh3.4m for the five-day accommodation and inland transport, sh760,000 for full team uniforms, sh380, 000 for Visa Fees and another sh1.5m Uganda Swimming Federation (USF) administration fees.

 Namutebi in action in one of the breaststroke races during the KSF Age Group Swimming Championships at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani in Febraury

In Uganda, parents of the individual swimmers meet most of the costs of a Ugandan swimmer right from training to different local and international competitions including representation to international events.

The two have done the country proud over the years with the support of their mother Hadijah Namanda who is now short of funds and needs a helping hand from well-wishers.

"Their records and publicity has grown over the years because of their swimming. In a few years to come, they will be representing at the Olympics and World Championships. We will be glad to have people as part of their journey," Namanda stated.

"The amount a sponsor/partner may contribute is flexible; one by one makes a bundle and we welcome all generous contributions; we will pin all our sponsor's names on our wall of fame," she said.

Mukalazi in action during the 50m backstroke race during the DStv National Club Swimming Championships at KISU, June 11 2017

Internationally, the two have previously won medals in different competitions and are holders of age group records in East Africa on top of several overall best swimmers accolades in national and regional galas and have won over 100 medals between themselves in the past year.

Kirabo was USPA swimmer of the year in 2013 and 2016 while Mukalazi holds similar accolades in 2012 and 2017.

Contributions to the trip can be channeled to their mum on mobile number 0772443492 or on their bank account No. 3000071772 in NC Bank.