By Lubulwa Edrine
The Uganda swimming federation yesterday evening has flagged off seven swimmers to represent Uganda in the 20th Africa Aquatics Zone IV Swimming and Open Water Championships in Windhoek, Namibia.
The flag off ceremony, held at Elite Swim and Gym in Ntinda, Kampala was graced by the President Uganda Olympic Committee, Dr. Donald Rukare who handed over the national flag to team captain Heer Usadadiya and swimmer Tara Kisawuzi.
The 20th Africa Aquatics Zone IV Swimming and Open Water Championships will commence from 4th to 8th December in Windhoek, Namibia.
The team will depart Uganda today Monday, December 2nd, 2024, at 2:00 AM aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
The Ugandan contingent includes; Heer Usadadiya (Team Captain), Tara Kisawuzi, Benjamin Lutaaya, Khyat Deshpande, Christian Bwisho, Joshua Kaganda, Elijah Mukisa and Coach Ezira Kalali.
The team will compete in various individual swimming events, with Usadadiya, Lutaaya, and Deshpandi also representing Uganda in the Open Water Championship.
In his remarks, Dr. Rukare encouraged the swimmers to believe in their abilities, emphasizing that they have the potential to return victorious. “You are not only representing yourselves but the entire nation. Swim with confidence and pride, and know that Uganda is behind you,” he said.
Building on past success at the 2023 Africa Aquatics Junior Swimming and Open Water Championships held at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius, both Heer Usadadiya and Tara Kisawuzi made notable progress, achieving personal bests despite not clinching medals.
Heer Usadadiya’s highlights included, 400m Freestyle: 4:31.80, 100m Backstroke: 1:07.53, 200m Freestyle: 2:09.87, 800m Freestyle: 9:31.68, 400m Individual Medley: 5:16.97, 200m Backstroke: 2:21.38 and 5km Open Water: 1:01.41 while Tara Kisawuzi excelled in butterfly events, setting personal bests in 100m Butterfly: 1:00.47 and 50m Butterfly: 28.73
The team heads to Namibia with high expectations and ready to elevate Uganda’s presence on the continental swimming stage. This championship presents an opportunity to build on their personal and national milestones, with all eyes set on Windhoek.
