On July 27, 2024, Seroma Christian High School in Kyetume hosted the 2024 Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) Swimming Gala, a thrilling showcase of aquatic talent that brought together 16 schools. The event, a key qualifier for the FEASSSA Games, saw Seroma Christian High School dominate the boys’ category with 395 points, while British School of Kampala Rafters claimed the girls’ category with an impressive 463 points. The gala, marked by fierce competition and vibrant school spirit, highlighted Uganda’s growing prowess in secondary school sports.
Mrs. Amelia Kyambadde, resident director of Seroma, welcomed participants with enthusiasm, signaling ambitious plans for sports development. “We were delighted to host this championship, but this is only the beginning. As Seroma, we plan to develop more sports facilities to help grow and develop talent,” she said. Seroma’s leap from fifth place in 2023 to first in the boys’ category underscored their commitment, outshining strong contenders like Aga Khan High School (317.5 points) and Greenhill Academy – Kibuli (318.5 points). British School of Kampala’s girls’ team, led by stars like Mary Peyton Suubi, who clocked 2:40:99 in the 200m Individual Medley, solidified their dominance, finishing ahead of Greenhill (339 points) and Seroma (292 points).
Standout individual performances electrified the pool. Seroma’s Karen Mwangi ruled the girls’ 12-15 years 50m butterfly with a swift 32:43, while Lubiri SS’s Lubega Akram and Nakasule Rahma Kalungi, veterans of the 2023 FEASSSA Games, helped their school secure fifth overall. Debutants Nabumali High School, led by Coach Collins Wasswa Matovu, and Ndejje SSS made waves despite their novice status, with Nabumali’s renovated pool signaling a revival in their program. The gala selected 16 boys and 14 girls to represent Uganda at the FEASSSA Games in Bukedea and Amus College from August 16-27, 2024, promising a strong international showing. Guest of honor Mrs. Juliet Muzoora Atuhaire praised the event’s role in fostering resilience and teamwork, urging schools to continue prioritizing sports.
Comments
Charlotte: I’m satisfied with how I swam, but I know I can push myself further. The 100m breaststroke was my best event—I felt really confident, and my technique was on point.
Interviewer: What would making the national team mean to you, and how would you handle not being selected?
Charlotte: Making the national team would be such an honor, and I’d be so excited to compete at that level. If I don’t get selected, I’ll keep training hard and use it as a chance to grow and improve.
Letassie Gift (Lexie): I’m Letassie Gift, and honestly, the gala was tough. We usually face local schools, but this time we were up against international schools with more training time and resources. Their early class dismissals and established swimming clubs gave them a real edge.
Interviewer: How does your silver medal make you feel?
Lexie: I’m overjoyed and excited! Winning second place feels amazing, especially with such strong competition. I’m so grateful to have earned a silver medal despite the challenges.
Seeta High Green Campus Student: It’s been tough, but I’m loving the challenge! Competing against such strong swimmers has taught me a ton, and the experience is definitely helping me level up my skills.
Interviewer: That’s the spirit! Congratulations on your wins—what events did you dominate today?
Seeta High Green Campus Student: (beaming with pride) I won gold in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke events! I’m over the moon and so proud—all the hard work really paid off!
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