Uganda Swimming Federation releases plans and budget

The Uganda Swimming Federation (USF) has sought approval from the National Council of Sports to host the 6th CANA Zone III Swimming Championships due November 17-21 at KISU Swimming Pool.

They have in the same breath drawn up and presented an sh270m budget for NCS's approval and consideration for the same event that was originally supposed to be hosted in 2020 but inevitably postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant suspension of all sports events in the country.

"This is to submit the Draft 2021 Calendar of Swimming Activities which will be further reviewed at the USF Annual General Assembly on Saturday, March 13, 2021. The Assembly will elect a new USF Executive for the period 2021 - 2024," a letter signed off by Acting USF president Moses Mwase states in part.

USF's request is in line with Council's recent guideline requiring all National Associations/Federations seeking to host international events to seek approval ahead of time.

The budget will be aiming at catering for Team Uganda Support and Pre-Competition Preparations and Training as well as National Uniform & Kit and General Team Management. It will also take care of the venue hire, the championship medals as well as meals for officials and volunteers over the five days as well as their allowances; and open water and Water polo costs among others.

During the 2019 5th edition Championship held at the Kasarani Aquatic Center in Nairobi there was an overall improved performance for the 28-man team that had the boys this time taking the lead by topping the men's category with 1,421 points ahead of hosts Kenya who finished with 1,143.50.

Uganda sent (10 girls and 18 boys) for the championship that comprises one of the four zones under the auspices of the African Swimming Federation (CANA).

The girls finished third overall on 851 points behind Tanzania and Kenya who won the category with 1,180 points.

Kirabo Namutebi was once again unstoppable in the 13-14 years category that she led with 174 points ahead of Kenya's Islam Lubaina (140pts) and South Africa's Adams Keesha (131pts).

Kirabo picked 6 gold and 3 silver and was instrumental in a number of relay races as Ugandan won 53 individual medals overall (14gold, 29sliver,10bronze). Adnan Kabuye (4gold&2silver), Ian Aziku, Shane Birungi, and Tyaba Kiggundu also produced some golden performances in the different races.