Makerere and Ndejje excel at inaugural inter-university swimming gala
Ampaire, 21, continued his strong performance by winning the 50m butterfly in 29.78, ahead of Ndejje’s Willis Mulindwa (31.08) and Ogwang (33.83).
The Ndejje University women's swimming team pose with their medals after the the first inter-university swimming gala at the British School Kampala, April 25, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Makerere University’s men’s team earned 390 points to win the first Uganda Aquatics inter-university swimming gala, held at the British School Kampala pool on Saturday.
National swimmer Nimusiima Namanya Ampaire led the Makerere Sharks men’s team by winning the 100m breaststroke in 1:20.43, ahead of Ndejje University’s Silver Ogwang Kokas (1:29.17) and Andrew Mwanda Kimbugwe (1:34.93).
Ampaire, 21, continued his strong performance by winning the 50m butterfly in 29.78, ahead of Ndejje’s Willis Mulindwa (31.08) and Ogwang (33.83). Teammate Philemon Akoragye (34.07) and UCU’s Benjamin Lubega (35.54) also competed in the event. Ampaire secured additional victories in the 200m Individual Medley (2:50.09), 50m breaststroke (35.99), and 100m butterfly (1:15.25).
The Makerere University swimming team pose with their trophy and medals after the the first inter-university swimming gala at the British School Kampala. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
He placed third in the 50m freestyle (30.63), behind teammate Ahumuza Nimusiima Ariyo (27.42) and Ndejje’s Silver Ogwang (29.59). Makerere also won the 200m freestyle relay in 2:01.88, ahead of Ndejje and UCU. In the women’s category, Chloe Anna Sophie Mulogo won gold in the 100m freestyle (1:05.68), finishing ahead of Ndejje’s Swagiah Mubiru and UCU’s Esther Atoo.
“We have trained every day throughout the year. Although we started this sport later than others, we ensure consistent practice and maintain a positive mindset,” said Sharks captain Godwin Matthew Ntale.
“We ensure every race has a strong swimmer, allowing others to rest. That is our strategy,” she added. Swagiah Mubiru, 20, also excelled for Ndejje, winning the 50m backstroke in 34.91, ahead of Makerere’s Chloe Anna Sophie Mulogo (36.52) and UCU’s Beyonce Sendege (44.97). Mubiru also claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke (1:31.51), 50m butterfly (36.68), and 100m backstroke (1:19.96). She stood out in the 200m Individual Medley, finishing in 2:52.16 ahead of Mulogo and Gabriella Ndawula.
“Our girls’ team includes many experienced swimmers who are used to winning most of the time and we have been winning all the university galas with our boys coming second. So, we have to keep on winning as we prepare for the East Africa University Games in Mombasa,” said Ndejje girls’ team captain Nakabanda.
The university teams will continue to compete in upcoming galas and in major tournaments such as the FISU World University Games, the All-Africa University Games, and the East Africa University Games later this year.
Men’s teams scores
Makerere University 390pts
Ndejje University 360
Uganda Christian University 186
Women’s teams scores
Ndejje University 363
Makerere University 358
Uganda Christian University 254