The 2026 season for Uganda Aquatics roared into life over the weekend with the first meet of the National Swimming League at Kampala Parents School.
What unfolded over the two-day meet was more than just a season opener; it was a statement of intent for Ugandan swimming.
League One recorded a historic surge in participation. According to the meet director Eric Kisero, 23 teams entered a combined total of 631 swimmers, representing nearly a 200 per cent increase from last year’s league, which had fewer than 300 participants.
Uganda Aquatics President, Moses Mwase, echoed the excitement, noting that the numbers make it the largest league meet in the federation’s history and marking the third edition of a competition that is clearly gaining momentum.
The spike in numbers is no accident. This year, the league has been officially designated as a qualifier for the National Championships scheduled for July. Swimmers must now compete in the league and achieve the set qualifying times to book a slot at Nationals a move that has transformed the competitive landscape.
In previous seasons, swimmers could enter league events using “custom times” submitted by their coaches. However, to compete at Nationals, athletes must now provide verified times swum in recognised competitions, most notably, the league itself.
This structural change has intensified competition; in some events, such as the 200m freestyle, certain age groups recorded more than 10 heats, an extraordinary number compared to the two heats typically seen at National Championships. The result? Every swimmer is fighting for qualification, and the performance standards are rising accordingly.
Federation officials are also closely monitoring “motivation times”, tracking top swimmers who are achieving Double A standards, with the long-term goal of pushing athletes toward AAA-level benchmarks.
“More competition creates better performance,” the meet director explained. “It’s a very positive impact.”
Athletes and clubs welcomed the new format with optimism and determination. Daniela Munguchi from Black Panther Swim Club described her performances as strong for the start of the season. “My breaststroke was nice,” she said, looking ahead confidently to her 800m freestyle. She also highlighted the excitement surrounding the new league to the nationals’ qualification pathway, noting its benefits in time management and performance planning.
Her teammates shared similar enthusiasm, calling League One “great so far” and expressing confidence that the new arrangement will create a “really bright future” leading into the 2026 Nationals.
From Imara Swim Club, Christian Boucher reflected on how the heightened level of competition has reshaped his expectations for the season. After clocking 1:16 in the 100m breaststroke and 32 seconds in the 50m backstroke, he admitted he has bigger goals, aiming for 29 seconds in the backstroke and targeting multiple national records before the year concludes.
“The competition has shown me it’s going to be a tough year,” Boucher said. “It has shown me that I need to work really hard.”
Despite the intensity, swimmers appreciated the atmosphere. Many described the gala as calm, enjoyable, and well-organizedstriking a balance between high-level competition and athlete-friendly management.
League One (meet one) is only the beginning. The National Swimming League consists of three legs (meets), in February, April, and May, each spanning two days and featuring selected events. Only the top 16 to 18 swimmers per event will qualify for Nationals, making consistent performance across the legs essential.
Beyond Nationals, the league plays a critical role in preparing and selecting athletes for major international competitions. Among the key events on Uganda’s 2026 calendar are:
- The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
- The Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar
- The World Aquatics Short Course Championships
- The Africa Aquatics Junior and Senior Championships in Accra, Ghana
And the 12th Africa Aquatics Zone III Championships, which Uganda will host in Kampala in October.
By tying league performance directly to national and international team selection, Uganda Aquatics is ensuring that athletes are tested under pressure early in the season.
The energy at Kampala Parents School was unmistakable, packed heats, personal bests, and bold ambitions defined the opening weekend of competition.
League One (Meet One) has demonstrated that Ugandan swimming is not only growing in numbers but also maturing in structure and standards. With qualification requirements tightening and international events on the horizon, 2026 promises to be a defining year.
If the turnout and intensity of the first leg are anything to go by, the National Swimming League has become more than just a competition; it is now the engine driving the future of swimming in Uganda.