The race for national qualification places and regional team selection intensified on Saturday as the third leg of the Uganda Aquatics Swimming League got underway at Kabojja International School, with swimmers from across the country delivering exciting performances on a packed day-one program.
This edition of the league introduced swimmers, parents and fans to a fresh competition environment at the Kabojja International School Annex, where the new 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool provided a completely different feel from the traditional venues that have hosted Uganda Aquatics competitions over the years.
Unlike facilities previously used at KISU, Kampala Parents School, Greenhill Academy, and Kings Park, the Kabojja venue offered a more open atmosphere with noticeably more space around the pool deck. The wider surroundings created easier movement for swimmers, coaches and spectators throughout the day, adding to the smooth flow of the competition.
One of the standout features of the venue was the marshalling area, which gave swimmers a rare opportunity to sit close enough to watch the races ahead of theirs before stepping onto the blocks. The setup created a unique atmosphere around the competition pool, allowing swimmers to study the action, feel the intensity of the races and mentally prepare before entering the water themselves.
For many swimmers, it was both exciting and intimidating at the same time. Watching competitors attack the water moments before their own races gave them a clearer understanding of how the pool was behaving and how the competition was unfolding. The experience appeared to be one that many swimmers enjoyed throughout the day.
The pool itself impressed with its clean appearance and spacious setup. Although the water conditions appeared slightly wavy due to the pool being heavily filled, the overall conditions remained favourable for fast swimming and quality racing.
Away from the water, the spectator experience also stood out. While the pavilion appeared smaller compared to the crowds usually witnessed during National Championships and Junior League events, its elevated extensions offered excellent views of the pool and surrounding scenery. Spectators were treated to beautiful panoramic sights stretching toward Lake Victoria, giving the event a scenic backdrop rarely experienced at local competitions.
Parents particularly enjoyed the viewing angles around the facility, with many taking videos and photos from higher vantage points that allowed them to capture races clearly from almost every corner of the pool. The clean environment, organised setting, good sanitation facilities and overall ambience added to the positive first impression of the venue.
Despite the venue being located quite far from Kampala’s city centre, the route remained relatively straightforward through Makindye, Nsambya and the connecting roads leading toward the school campus.
Once competition got underway, the butterfly races immediately brought the pool to life as swimmers across different age groups produced fast and exciting performances.
The younger swimmers lit up the competition in the 10-and-under butterfly races. Aya Adams of Blue Whales Aquatic Venture claimed victory in the girls’ event, while Aqua Akii Swim Club’s Kyle Asiimwe powered to gold in the boys’ category. Dolphins Swim Club Kampala’s Jethro Emejeit delivered one of the standout performances among the boys, finishing fifth in a fast field.
In the 11-12 girls’ butterfly, Imara Aquatics swimmer Alba Ihunde edged Aquatic Academy Kampala’s Mushirah Nabatanzi in a close finish, while Dolphins’ Jinan Nakato and Jehan Babirye posted strong qualifying swims.
The boys’ 11-12 butterfly final produced one of the fastest swims of the day as Otters Swim Club Uganda’s Shane Mugenyi clocked 1:09.20 to take gold ahead of Imara Aquatics’ Kristian Bwisho. Dolphins Swim Club Kampala’s Malachi Ssali secured third place with a brilliant 1:13.13.
Competition intensified further in the 13-14 age group, where several swimmers posted eye-catching times. Gliders Swim Club’s Tyrah Muganzi won the girls’ 100 butterfly in 1:07.74, narrowly ahead of Jaguar Swim Club’s Zara Marie Mbanga, while Dolphins’ Mackayla Ssali finished fourth in another quality race.
The boys’ equivalent saw Black Panthers Swim Club’s Benjamin Ssali storm to victory in 1:03.98, with Torpedoes Swim Club’s Elijah Ayesiga close behind. Dolphins Swim Club Kampala’s Manuel Ssemanda continued his impressive outing by finishing fifth.
Among the senior swimmers, the girls’ 15-16 butterfly was headlined by Gators Swim Club Kampala’s Paloma Kirabo, who won in 1:11.75, ahead of Dolphins Swim Club Kampala’s Crystal Ssemanda.
The men’s 17-and-over butterfly final provided one of the loudest moments of the day as Ethani Ssengooba of Gators Swim Club Kampala broke the one-minute barrier with a winning time of 58.45 seconds. Dolphins Swim Club Kampala’s Pendo Kaumi followed closely in second place after an impressive 1:00.42 swim.
After the butterfly swimmers switched focus to the backstroke contests, which continued the high standard of competition throughout the day.
Dolphins Swim Club Kampala enjoyed a strong showing in the girls’ 11-12 200 backstroke through Jinan Nakato, who captured gold in 2:44.83, while teammate Jehan Babirye added a podium finish in third place.
In the boys’ 11-12 backstroke, Imara Aquatics dominated through Kristian Bwisho, but Dolphins’ Malachi Ssali again reached the top eight in another solid performance.
Jaguar Swim Club’s Zara Marie Mbanga later returned to the pool to win the girls’ 13-14 200 backstroke, edging Gliders Swim Club’s Tyrah Muganzi in another thrilling contest.
The boys’ 13-14 200 backstroke belonged to Altona swimmer Adam Hussein Katumba, who stopped the clock at 2:24.19 ahead of Imara Aquatics’ Arthur Nsubuga and Torpedoes Swim Club’s Elijah Ayesiga. Dolphins Swim Club Kampala’s Manuel Ssemanda finished ninth after another busy day in the pool.
The session later shifted into the demanding long-distance races, where the girls’ and boys’ 1500 metre freestyle events tested endurance, consistency and mental strength.
Gators Swim Club Kampala swimmer Paloma Kirabo dominated the girls’ race, touching first in 19:41.85 ahead of Jaguar Swim Club’s Zara Marie Mbanga and Dolphins Swim Club Kampala’s Mackayla Ssali.
In the boys’ 1500 freestyle, Sailfish Swim Club Kampala’s Arthur Mwase stamped his authority with a commanding victory in 18:01.55, narrowly ahead of Benjamin Lutaaya of Gators Swim Club Kampala. Dolphins Swim Club Kampala’s Manuel Ssemanda also impressed with a strong fifth-place finish in a highly competitive field.
With qualification times for the Uganda National Championships and upcoming regional competitions on the line, swimmers approached every race with urgency, turning Kabojja International School into a stage filled with energy, emotion and fierce competition.
Beyond the medals and qualifying times, day one of League Meet Three also marked the successful introduction of a new competition venue to Uganda’s swimming calendar a facility that combined competitive racing conditions with scenic views, organised spaces and a fresh atmosphere that gave the meet a distinct identity.
As the league meet continues, swimmers will now look to build on their day one performances in pursuit of medals, qualifying standards and momentum ahead of the business end of the swimming season.