Sailfish defend their Masters Swim Gala

The Ambrosoli Sailfish Masters secured victory at the second edition of the Sailfish Masters Swimming Gala, held at the Ambrosoli International School pool on Saturday, amassing a total of 2,894 points.

At the conclusion of the day-long competition, Sailfish collected an impressive 154 medals, consisting of 64 gold, 51 silver, and 39 bronze. They finished 778 points ahead of the Formidables Masters, who placed second with 2,116.25 points and earned 149 medals.

The Malta Swim Masters came in third overall with 1,137 points, having managed a total of 39 medals. The champions particularly excelled in the women’s category for ages 55-59, with Patricia Ejalu, Mark Koehler, and Romina Koehler contributing 385 points from that division.

Formidables' Catherine Nakimuli in action during the 50m butterfly race during the Ambrosoli Masters Swimming gala, June 15, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Additionally, Sailfish had swimmers in nearly every other category, which helped secure their victory.

Sailfish in particular dominated the 25m breaststroke events, where Diaz Lorenzana, Kum Sujin, and Annett Pirani clocked 21.94, 23.69, and 24.22 in the 50-54 category. Ejalu (24.31) and Romina (24.71) were also ahead of Malta’s Barbara Nalukwago, who clocked 34.25 in the 55-59 years category.

The other standout performers for Sailfish included Trinity Priscilla Biywaga, who scored 111 points; Finch Joshua, who earned 114 points; and Rogers Sabiiti, who tallied 77 points in the men’s 30-34 years category. Additionally, Jonathan Musana and Conrad Gaira scored 119 and 71 points, respectively, in the 35-39 years category. From the women’s 40-44 years category, Aurelie Dutchateau contributed 115 points.

Head coach Sailfish Joseph Kabogozza, Erick Njuguna, Mark Koeler, and Igeme Katagwa also posted important points for the champions whose numbers made the difference.

“It has been much better than last year because we improved on the mistakes we made then, and in terms of numbers, much better as well,” Kabogozza said.

Formidables' Solomon Okidu in action during the 50m backstroke race during the Ambrosoli Masters Swimming gala, June 15, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He attributed their win to the number of swimmers that swam for the their team following good mobilization and training ahead of the annual event.

“We had the fastest swimmers, and we have been swimming all year round, so we were much better prepared than last year. We are now looking at spreading the gala to other parts of the country because currently the sport is very centered in Kampala, and we are trying to make the sport more affordable,” Kabogozza stated.

Peter Mugisha, Patrick Magezi, Peter Ssebanakitta, Charles Obwana, Donald Rukare, Catherine Nakimuli, and Linda Namayanja were some of the standouts for the Formidables, while Rachael Galinda, Isabella Sigombe, Rachael Jane Ayikoru, and Barbara Nalukwago were the best swimmers for Malta.

The Dolphins, with the likes of Yuda Morris Ssekamatte, Emejeit Mbabazi, and Godfrey Kiiza, finished fourth, while the Aquatics finished fifth overall.

The swimmers competed in the 100m IM, 25m and 50m butterfly, backstroke, freestyle, and 100m medley relay events.

Combined team scores

Ambrosoli Sailfish 2894

Formidables 2116.25

Malta Swim Club 1137

Dolphins Masters 763.5

Aquatic Masters 474.75

Otters Swim Club Uganda 325.75

Gators Swim Club Kampala 224 8.

Kampala Quality Marlins 118.75 9.

Our Savior Swimming Family 104 10.

Club Hericanes Fitness Harbour 75