Uganda bags bronze as national records tumble at ISF U-15 Gymnasiade

Uganda concluded its participation at the ISF U-15 Gymnasiade in Zlatibor, Serbia, with a bronze medal in athletics and two new national records in swimming.

The country’s only medal came courtesy of Loput Kizito, who secured bronze in the boys’ 1500m with a time of 4:30.73.

The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) hailed the event as a valuable learning opportunity for the young athletes.

“The tournament was a valuable learning experience, giving the athletes exposure and the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best,” USSSA said in a statement.

Other Ugandan athletes also put up strong performances. In the girls’ 800m final, Aciro Vicky finished seventh overall with a time of 2:22.65, while Olive Chebet clocked 2:26.53 to place tenth.

In the 200m girls’ final, Nabunya Tracy won her heat and placed sixth overall with a time of 26.03 seconds.

In the boys’ 200m, Opwonya John placed third in his heat with a time of 25.74 seconds, finishing 20th overall. Though they did not reach the podium, the athletes gained invaluable experience competing against top international talent.

The standout performance in swimming came from 13-year-old Zara Marie Mbanga, a student at Seroma Christian High School, who broke two national records.

On April 7, Mbanga set a new national mark in the 100m backstroke, clocking 1:10.68. Three days later, she shattered the national record in the 200m individual medley with a time of 2:32.69.

“I feel great to break a national record that has been there for a while now, and I look forward to breaking more,” said Mbanga, who also trains with Jaguar Swim Club. 

She also competed in the 50m freestyle, finishing seventh in her heat with a time of 29.47 seconds.

In the boys’ 50m freestyle, Payton McKenzie Ssekajiija came fourth in Heat 2, clocking 29.37 seconds, while Kayira Tariq won Heat 1 in 30.08 seconds.

Uganda also registered encouraging results in table tennis. Malcom Ssentongo and Allan Wetogo each won two matches, defeating opponents from Bulgaria and Bangladesh. Mark Bagambe triumphed over an Indian rival but narrowly lost to rivals from Brazil and Macau.

In badminton, Uganda continued to impress. In the mixed doubles, Ayikoru Ruth and Owaruhanga Edward beat competition from Benin in straight sets, 21-12 and 21-16.

In men’s singles, Ssekajanko Benjamin beat an Azerbaijani 21-18, 21-17, while Mawanda Abigail Ndagire lost to a Turkish player.

Uganda sent a contingent of 34 student-athletes, accompanied by officials from Kibuli Secondary School and Seroma Christian High School. The athletes competed in athletics, swimming, table tennis, and badminton.

ATHLETICS 

Loput Kizito – Bronze medal in 1500m

Time: 4:30.73

Opwonya John – 200m Boys

Time: 25.74 seconds

Group Position: 3rd

Overall Position: 20th

Girls

Aciro Vicky – 800m Girls Final

Time: 2:22.65

Group Position: 2nd

Overall Position: 7th

Chebet Olive – 800m Girls Final

Time: 2:26.53

Group Position: 1st

Overall Position: 10th

Nabunya Tracy – 200m Girls Final

Time: 26.03 seconds

Group Position: 1st

Overall Position: 6th

SWIMMING

Zara Marie Mbanga

100m Backstroke – 1:10.68 (New national record)

200m Individual Medley – 2:32.69 (New national record)

50m Freestyle – 29.47 seconds – Group Position: 7th

Boys

Payton McKenzie Ssekajiija – 50m Freestyle Boys

Time: 29.37 seconds

Position: 4th in Heat 2