By Lubulwa Edrine
Team Uganda has defended the 9th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming competitions held in Piscine Universitaire de Kiriri Pool in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Comprising of 49 members including Master Category Competitors, team Uganda was the overall winners of the competitions which run from November 22nd to 24th followed by Tanzania and Kenya respectively.
Organized by the Africa swimming governing body, Africa Aquatics – formerly Confederation Africaine de Natation (C.A.N.A), features events in Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Medley relays.
This victory marks Uganda’s successful defense of the trophy they first won in 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda and 2022 edition held in Tanzania where Team Uganda came third with the host’s bagging the trophy.
The 9th edition of the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming competitions drew in 12 countries including the host’s Burundi Tanzania, South Africa , Ethiopia, South Sudan , Uganda, Eritrea , Djibouti among others.
Uganda was represented by 75 swimmers across junior and masters categories, all aiming to maintain Uganda’s status as reigning champions in the Zone 3 region.
Swimmers sponsored by Kansai Plascon, are categorised across two categories; age group and masters. Age group include swimmers from 11 years of age to 24 years as the Masters category start from 25 year and above.
Team Uganda went to the championship with the motto “Defending the Wave,” Uganda’s masters swimmers set another historic splash in Bujumbura.
Uganda’s swimming team showcased dominance and determination amassing 3934 points to defend the title at 9th Africa Aquatic Zone 3 Swimming championship.
Uganda’s girls’ team contributed 1,921 points, while the boys’ team added 1,877 points, solidifying the country’s top position.
Tanzania, the 2022 champions, finished in second place with 3,658.50 points (1,642.50 points from the girls and 1,856 points from the boys), Kenya secured third place overall with 3,201.50 points (1,584.50 points from the girls and 1,489 points from the boys) while Host Burundi finished fourth with 2,942 points (1,362 points from the girls and 1,490 points from the boys).
Several swimmers stood out for Uganda with exceptional performances, Heer Usadadiya Dominated the 15-16 category, winning five golds and one silver.
He was also the best male swimmer in his category with impressive times in events such as, 200m Backstroke: 2:10.05, 800m Freestyle: 8:46.18, 100m Backstroke: 1:01.44, 200m Freestyle: 2:00.18, 400m Freestyle: 4:14.90, 200m Individual Medley: 2:15.97 and 200m Butterfly: 2:21.09
