Husnah Kukundakwe appointed to IPC Athletes' Council

Ugandan para swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe’s star continues to rise after her recent appointment as an athlete council member on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council.

Kukundakwe, who was recently elected as vice chairperson of the Uganda Paralympic Committee (UPC) Athletes Council, is one of two appointed members on the IPC, including Greece’s Grigorios Polychronidis.

During the 2024 Paralympic Games in France, she ran for election but narrowly lost, finishing tenth out of 26 candidates, missing out by just two votes. However, all was not lost, as she was informed that there would be some appointments available. Now, the opportunity has come her way.

“I’m very happy, honoured and actually more motivated to front the so many other ideas that I have been holding. I wasn’t disappointed in the elections in France but I was happy with the result, and unlike other athletes, I was busy, though my mum tried her best to campaign on my behalf,” Kukundakwe said

“I will be the voice of African athletes on the IBC Council, which hasn’t been there for over five years. The council hasn’t had an African representative, and fortunately, I’m also from Uganda, so there are a lot of opportunities, especially ideas on how para sport can be improved here in Uganda,” she noted.

“Most of the challenges we face here is basically lack of knowledge and finances, and maybe certain voices aren’t brought out to the higher powers, so with my position I will be able to use my voice to voice out the bigger major challenges that the athletes face not only in Uganda but in Africa as a whole because what affects Ugandans might also be affecting other African countries,” Kukundakwe stated.

Her main ideas focus on developing parasports, raising awareness to combat stigma, educating others about disabilities and parasports, and encouraging people with disabilities to participate in sports. She believes that engaging in sports can help them build confidence and potentially earn a living as professional athletes.

Kukundakwe was scheduled to attend her first session meeting next month; however, she will be competing in the World Championships at the same time, so she will not be able to attend. She hopes to use the upcoming IPC Athletes' Forum and the athletes' council meeting later this year to discuss what she believes will benefit para sports.

“The best time to present my proposals will be at the athletes’ council in-person meeting, which will happen later this year, but I’m sad that I will miss that but what got me to this position is being an active athlete, which will always come first,” Kukundakwe stated.

She says the appointment will encourage her to work hard in the pool because definitely people will now look to me as a role model, as a leader, and as one who shows them what a successful athlete looks like. I will continue focusing on my career ambitions in the pool alongside my appointment.”

“The appointment means that there are people out there who believe that I can make change in this world, that I can use my voice for good and for change especially towards disability and para sport,”

“It’s a big achievement for her at her age. Para swimming is growing. We have been having only Husnah; now we have four internationally recognized para swimmers fully classified and ready to compete,” Hashima Batamuriza, her mum and manager, stated.