Uganda’s national swimmers reaffirmed their regional supremacy with a commanding performance at the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi, storming to their third consecutive title after an exceptional all-round display at the Kasarani Aquatic Stadium on Sunday.
In a meet that drew competitors from across the region, Uganda left no doubt about their dominance, amassing 151 medals including 53 gold, 53 silver, and 45 bronze to finish atop the standings with 3,933 points. The hosts Kenya settled for second on 3,270.5 points, while Tanzania completed the podium places.
Uganda’s success was built on teamwork and consistency across all age categories, with the men’s team captained by Ampaire Namanya contributing 1,991 points, and the women’s side led by Peyton Suubi adding 1,802 points to the tally.
Suubi once again proved the heartbeat of Uganda’s campaign, producing a hat-trick of golden swims winning the 100m breaststroke, 800m freestyle, and 400m freestyle, where she led a Ugandan sweep alongside Victoria Kirabo and Rahmah Nakasule.
Uganda’s depth was evident across the lanes, with standout performances from Kyle Kaweesa, Nisha Pearl Najjuma, Jonathan Kaweesa, Giovanni Mbanga, Tara Kisawuzi, Zara Marie Mbanga, and Christian Mugumya Bwisho, among others.
The 15 & Over girls’ relay team — Kisawuzi, Nakasule, Suubi, and Kirabo — also delivered one of the meet’s highlights, storming to victory in the 400m freestyle relay in emphatic fashion.
Adding to the country’s golden weekend, Uganda’s Masters team turned back the clock with stellar showings of their own. Resty Kiwuka, Yuda Ssekamatte, Alex Kateeba, and Peter Mugisha all struck gold in their 50m freestyle categories, while Donald Rukare, Peter Ssebanakitta, and Patricia Ejalu added more medals in other events.
With the next Zone 3 Championships set for 2026, Uganda’s challenge now shifts from proving dominance to sustaining it — a task that, judging by this year’s performance, they are more than ready for.
