The second leg of the Uganda Aquatics Swimming League delivered a powerful statement of progress and promise as over 500 swimmers converged at Kampala Parents School in Naguru for an electrifying two-day competition on April 11-12, 2026.
From record-breaking performances to a groundbreaking step in inclusivity, League Meet Two showcased a sport that is rapidly evolving both in quality and vision.
Meet Director, Erick Kisero, could not hide his excitement about the standard on display, describing the competition as a clear sign that Ugandan swimming is reaching new heights.
“We are so impressed with how quick the swimmers are getting. The quality of swimming in Uganda is getting really, really good,” Kisero noted.
One of the standout highlights came in the 200m breaststroke, where depth and performance levels stunned even seasoned observers. What was once a benchmark national record time of 2:33 would have been eclipsed by a remarkable 12 swimmers in a single event. The current standard has now dropped significantly, underlining the rapid improvement across the board.
Sprint events also reflected this upward trajectory. In the 50m freestyle, young swimmers and elite competitors alike posted impressive times, with eight-year-olds clocking around 33 seconds and a strong group of senior swimmers consistently breaking the 26-second barrier.
Kisero revealed that a total of 502 swimmers participated in the meet, a testament to the league’s growing appeal and competitiveness. However, beyond the times and numbers, one of the most defining features of this edition was the successful inclusion of swimmers with special needs.
“This is a game-changer for inclusivity. Going forward, we can never host an event without an event for special needs,” he emphasized.
That sentiment was echoed by Uganda Aquatics President Moses Mwase, who highlighted the federation’s deliberate move towards unified sport.
“We have taken a deliberate decision to accommodate athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities. The idea is simple: give everyone an opportunity to swim and participate,” Mwase explained.
Working closely with Special Olympics Uganda and in ongoing discussions with the Uganda Paralympic Committee, the federation is laying the groundwork for a more structured and recognized para-swimming framework in the country.
League Meet Two also served as a key qualifying event for the national championships, a factor Mwase believes has significantly boosted participation and performance.
“Once we made this a qualifying event, it motivated everybody. The turnout has been great, and importantly, the times are improving. It shows that the systems we are putting in place are working,” he said.
Looking ahead, the federation is already planning enhancements for the next phase. League Meet Three is expected to feature thrilling races in the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly, while discussions are underway to potentially shift the venue to a new eight-lane facility at Kaboja International School.
Additionally, Uganda Aquatics is introducing athlete rankings across age groups and preparing to host a National Open later this year—an elite competition without age restrictions that could serve as a qualifier for international events, including the World Aquatics Championships.
Another major step toward professionalising the sport is the rollout of a licensing system using athlete IDs. This initiative aims to streamline athlete registration, improve data collection, and ensure proper accreditation across all participants, from swimmers to officials.