Uganda Aquatics has secured a major boost for the growth of swimming in the country after officially launching a new partnership with Kabojja International School, marked by the opening of a new eight-lane, 25-metre standard swimming pool that will host this weekend’s highly anticipated 2026 League Meet 3.
The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Uganda Aquatics President, Moses Mwase, and Kabojja International School Chief Executive Officer and Principal, Sam Turya.
The agreement is expected to strengthen the development of aquatic sports in Uganda by creating opportunities for swim competitions, coaching workshops, national open events, water polo activities, safeguarding programs and other federation initiatives.
The new facility will immediately be put to use this weekend when swimmers converge for League Meet 3 on May 16 and 17 — the final league event before the national championships.
According to Meet Director, Erick Kisero, the league has already recorded significant growth in participation and performance levels across the first two meets.
“The numbers have been big because of the turnout, and the results we’re seeing in certain age groups are very promising compared to even last year’s national championship performances,” Kisero said.
League Meet 3 will feature six events, including the 100m butterfly, 100m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 200m individual medley races.
Kisero revealed that the return of individual medley events adds excitement to the competition, noting that the federation has not hosted IM races in quite some time.
“We haven’t done IM events in a very long time as a federation, so we are excited to see what swimmers will produce,” he said.
One of the biggest talking points heading into the competition is the shift from the traditional venue at Kampala Parents School to Kabojja’s newly completed eight-lane facility.
Kisero believes the upgraded venue offers a major logistical advantage.
“The biggest advantage is that this is an eight-lane pool compared to the six lanes at Kampala Parents. With the growing numbers, we can run more heats in a shorter time,” he explained.
Despite concerns that the school holiday period could affect turnout, the League Meet 3 organisers (Uganda Aquatics) are still expecting about 320 swimmers to participate across the two-day competition.
Beyond medals and podium finishes, League Meet 3 carries significant importance for swimmers chasing qualification times for the upcoming National Championships.
Immediately after the meet, Uganda Aquatics will release qualification lists for nationals based on swimmers’ recorded times.
“We are creating standards. Every swimmer entering nationals must have proof of time, and the three league meets have allowed every athlete to qualify in all national events,” Kisero said.
The competition also serves as an important pathway for swimmers hoping to represent Uganda at the upcoming CANA Zone III Championships, with Uganda expected to field both Team A and Team B squads due to its role as host nation.
Kisero said this has created extra motivation among athletes, with even swimmers finishing outside the top two positions still having a chance to represent the country.
“All swimmers now know there’s an opportunity to represent Uganda because we’ll have two teams. That has motivated many athletes to push harder,” he added.
As Uganda Aquatics expands its infrastructure partnerships and competitive calendar, this weekend’s League Meet 3 is expected to test both the country’s emerging swimming talent and the capabilities of one of its newest aquatic facilities.