Sports
Splash, Stroke, and Spirit: Makerere University’s Inter-Hall Swimming Championships Deliver a Night to Remember
University Hall and Complex Hall emerged as overall winners in a thrilling day of competitive swimming at Makerere University, as 52 athletes from eight halls battled it out at the University Swimming Pool on 17th April 2026.
The Swimming Pool at Makerere University was alive with excitement, and the unmistakable sound of water being carved apart by determined young athletes on the 17th of April 2026, when the Makerere University Inter-Hall Swimming Championships made a triumphant return. Organised by the Sports and Games Union in collaboration with the University Swimming Team, the event brought together swimmers from eight halls of residence for a day of fierce, spirited, and thoroughly entertaining competition.
When the final results were tallied and the waters had settled, it was University Hall who reigned supreme in the boys category with a commanding 64 points, while Complex Hall claimed the girls title with 53 points. But beyond the standings and the scorecards, the day was a powerful statement about what sport can do for a university community: it brings people together, surfaces hidden talent, and reminds every athlete that the pool is a place where anything is possible for a swimmer.
Setting the Stage: A Competition Built on Purpose
The Inter-Hall Swimming Championships were not simply an exercise in athletic competition. They were conceived with a clear and deliberate set of objectives that reflect the broader mission of sport at Makerere University. The Sports and Games Union, in organising this event, sought to provide a genuine competitive platform for student swimmers who might otherwise never get the opportunity to test themselves against their peers in a structured and official setting.
Talent identification was equally central to the event’s purpose. Not every gifted swimmer in the student body is immediately visible to coaches and selectors. Events like these give those athletes a stage to shine, and give the coaching staff, including the University Swimming Team led by Head Coach Mr. Tamale Thomas, an opportunity to observe and evaluate swimmers they may want to bring into the competitive fold. For a club like the Mak Sharks that is always looking to grow and strengthen its squad, the Inter-Hall Championships serve as an invaluable scouting ground.
There was also a social and community dimension to the day. In a large university like Makerere, where students can sometimes feel disconnected from one another across different halls and faculties, sport is one of the most powerful unifying forces available. Cheering for your hall, racing alongside your hall-mates, and celebrating a shared result creates bonds that last well beyond the pool. The Championships, in that regard, were as much about building community as they were about winning races.
Eight Halls, 52 Swimmers, One Pool
A total of 52 swimmers took to the water across both male and female categories, representing eight halls of residence from across the university. The participating halls were:
- University Hall
- Nkrumah Hall
- Nsibirwa Hall
- Mitchell Hall
- Livingstone Hall
- Africa Hall
- Mary Stuart Hall
- Complex Hall
Each hall brought its finest swimmers, and the atmosphere at the poolside reflected the pride and competitive spirit that each team carried into the water. Supporters lined the edges of the pool, cheering loudly for their hall’s athletes, turning the championships into a genuinely vibrant event that captured the best of university sport.
All races were conducted in accordance with standard swimming regulations, with boys and girls competing separately in their respective categories. This structure ensured a fair, well organised competition that gave every swimmer a genuine opportunity to perform at their best.
The Events: A Full Programme of Aquatic Excellence
The day’s programme was comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of competitive swimming disciplines. From the raw speed of the freestyle sprints to the technical precision of the butterfly and the relentless rhythm of the breaststroke, the championships tested swimmers across every dimension of the sport. The events contested on the day included:
- Freestyle (25m and 50m)
- Breaststroke (25m and 50m)
- Backstroke (25m and 50m)
- Butterfly (25m and 50m)
- 4x25m Freestyle Relay
- 4x25m Medley Relay
The relay events, in particular, were a highlight of the day. With each hall fielding a team of four swimmers, the relays brought out the collective spirit of each hall in a way that individual events cannot fully capture. The poolside erupted with every exchange, and the final legs of each relay were contested with an intensity that had spectators on their feet.
The butterfly events also drew particular attention, given the technical difficulty of the stroke and the courage it takes to swim it well under competitive pressure. Those who excelled in the butterfly earned the admiration of both judges and spectators alike, and their performances added a touch of spectacle to an already exciting programme.
The Results: Champions Crowned on Both Sides
BOYS CATEGORY
| Position | Hall | Points |
| Overall Winner | University Hall | 64 Points |
| 1st Runner-up | Mitchell Hall | 55 Points |
| 2nd Runner-up | Nkrumah Hall | 43 Points |
University Hall put together a dominant performance across the boys events, accumulating 64 points to comfortably take the overall title. Mitchell Hall pushed hard throughout the day, claiming the runner-up spot with 55 points, while Nkrumah Hall rounded off the top three with 43 points in a creditable showing.
GIRLS CATEGORY
| Position | Hall | Points |
| Overall Winner | Complex Hall | 53 Points |
| 1st Runner-up | Africa Hall | 49 Points |
| 2nd Runner-up | Mary Stuart Hall | 39 Points |
The girls competition was equally gripping, with Complex Hall edging out Africa Hall by just four points to claim the overall title with 53 points to Africa Hall’s 49. The closeness of that contest kept the girls competition alive deep into the final events, with Mary Stuart Hall also putting in a strong showing to finish third with 39 points.
Standing Ovations: The Outstanding Performers
While every swimmer that took to the water on the day deserves recognition, a few athletes stood out for performances that went beyond the ordinary and left a lasting impression on everyone present.
In the boys category, Ampaire Nimusiima Namanya of University Hall was the standout performer, delivering a series of exceptional swims that contributed significantly to his hall’s commanding points total. His technique, composure under pressure, and sheer ability in the water were a joy to watch, and he announced himself as a swimmer of genuine quality at the university level.
Also drawing widespread praise was Alinda Larry Nimusiima of Nkrumah Hall, whose performances were a key reason Nkrumah Hall finished in the top three. His competitive drive and strong execution across multiple events made him one of the most watched athletes of the day.
On the girls side, Anna Chloe Sophie Obiajunwa of Complex Hall was simply outstanding. Her performances across her events were a masterclass in controlled, powerful swimming, and she was central to Complex Hall’s victory in the girls category. She is a talent to watch closely in the competitions ahead.
Equally impressive was Nampewo Linda Jackline of Marystuart Hall, who put in a string of strong performances that helped Marystuart Hall to a third place finish in the girls category. Her contribution to her hall’s effort was significant, and her performances did not go unnoticed by those tracking emerging swimming talent at the university.
Weathering the Storm: Challenges on the Day
No major event is without its challenges, and the Inter-Hall Swimming Championships were no exception. The day was marked by heavy rains that created difficult conditions around the poolside and added an element of unpredictability to the proceedings. Late arrivals of some participants also tested the patience and flexibility of the organisers, requiring adjustments to the day’s schedule.
To their great credit, however, the organising team navigated these hurdles with admirable professionalism. Officials, timekeepers, and the many volunteers who gave their time to support the event kept the competition on track, ensuring that despite the disruptions, every swimmer had the opportunity to compete. The event was completed in full, a tribute to the resilience and dedication of everyone involved in its organisation.
A Bigger Picture: What the Championships Mean for Swimming at Makerere
Events like the Inter-Hall Swimming Championships are not simply about the medals and the points tally. They are about the long term health and visibility of swimming as a sport within the university. In a sporting environment where football and athletics tend to command the most attention, competitions like these are vital for ensuring that aquatic sport receives the recognition and participation it deserves.
The Championships demonstrated clearly that there is real depth of swimming talent spread across Makerere‘s halls of residence. Some of the athletes who competed on the 17th of April had never appeared on a competitive start list before. By creating this platform, the Sports and Games Union has given those swimmers a first taste of competitive racing, and in doing so, may well have ignited a passion that will carry them much further in the sport.
For the Mak Sharks, the event was also an opportunity to observe and engage with the broader swimming community at Makerere. The club, which has represented Makerere University at competitions ranging from the Uganda Aquatics National Championships to the World University FISU Games in Germany, is always on the lookout for talent that can be developed and nurtured into competitive swimmers. The Inter-Hall Championships provided exactly that kind of opportunity, and it is expected that some of the standout performers from the day will be invited to train with the university team in the months ahead.
Looking Forward: The Momentum Must Continue
The success of the 2026 Inter-Hall Swimming Championships should serve as a springboard, not a one-off occasion. The Sports and Games Union, the University Swimming Team, and the Mak Sharks are united in their belief that events like these need to become a regular fixture in the Makerere sporting calendar, growing in scale and ambition with each passing year.
There is also the matter of the swimmers who showed exceptional promise on the day. The responsibility now falls on the university’s sporting structures to follow up with those athletes, provide them with access to regular training, and give them a pathway into competitive swimming. Talent without opportunity fades. The 17th of April showed that the talent is very much present at Makerere. The opportunity must now be created to match it.
The Mak Sharks extend their warmest congratulations to University Hall and Complex Hall for their respective victories, and to every athlete who took part in the Championships. You represented your halls with pride and your performances reminded everyone watching why swimming is one of the most compelling and beautiful sports in the world.
A final and heartfelt word of gratitude goes to the Makerere University Sports and Games Union, led by Mr. Brian Miiro, for organising and executing an event of this quality. Their work behind the scenes, and the work of every official, timekeeper, and volunteer who made the day possible, deserves to be recognised and celebrated. It is through initiatives like these that sport at Makerere continues to grow, and the entire university community is better for it.
The pool awaits. The next race is coming. And at Makerere, the water is always ready.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014
Photography by Patrick Kawaii: Instagram/WabwireJr
From a 1950s swimming pool to international championships, how Makerere University‘s swim club became a dominant force in Ugandan aquatics.
In the heart of Kampala’s oldest and most prestigious university, a pool that has stood since the late 1950s continues to churn out champions. The Mak Sharks, the competitive swim club that doubles as the Makerere University Swim Team, have grown from a modest university outfit into one of the most celebrated aquatic programs in Uganda, making their presence felt on both local and international stages. Their story is one of discipline, ambition, and an unwavering love for the sport that has carried them from the pool on Makerere Hill to some of the biggest aquatic stages in the world.
Today, the Mak Sharks stand as defending champions in Ugandan Water Polo and the Association of Ugandan University Sports (AUUS) Games, a distinction that speaks volumes about the calibre of athletes this program continues to produce. But to truly understand what makes this club remarkable, one must go back to where it all began.
A Legacy Born in the Late 1950s
Makerere University‘s swimming pool is one of the oldest aquatic facilities in Uganda, having been constructed in the late 1950s during a period of rapid institutional development at the historic university. At the time, Makerere was already establishing itself as the premier centre of higher learning in East and Central Africa, and the construction of the pool was part of a broader vision to provide students with world class facilities that nurtured both academic and physical excellence.
For decades, the pool served as a recreational and fitness facility for students and staff alike, quietly building a culture of swimming on the hill. Generations of Makerere students learned to swim in those waters, and the pool became as much a part of university life as the lecture halls and libraries that surrounded it. Yet for all the enthusiasm around the sport, competitive swimming at Makerere remained largely informal for much of its early history.
It was not until early 2014 that this rich aquatic heritage was formalised into a competitive entity. The Makerere University Swim Team, popularly known as the Mak Sharks, was officially established, bringing structure, ambition, and a competitive spirit to the poolside. The founding of the club marked a turning point for aquatic sports at Makerere. What had once been a pastime became a passion, and what had once been recreation became a relentless pursuit of excellence.
From the very beginning, the club set out with a clear mission: to represent Makerere University with distinction, to develop Uganda’s aquatic talent, and to compete at the highest levels possible. In just over a decade since its founding, the Mak Sharks have achieved all of that and more.
A Growing Force: 47 Athletes Strong
Today, the Mak Sharks boast a squad of 47 athletes, composed of 27 male and 20 female competitors who train and compete across a range of aquatic disciplines including competitive swimming, water polo, and open water events. The club’s growing membership is a testament to the increasing interest in competitive swimming at Makerere, and reflects the club’s ability to attract and develop talent from across Uganda.
The squad is a diverse mix of first year students discovering competitive swimming for the first time, and seasoned athletes who have represented Uganda on the international stage. This blend of youth and experience gives the Mak Sharks a unique depth that sets them apart from many of their rivals. Senior athletes mentor younger ones, passing down not just technique but the culture of excellence that has become the club’s defining trait.
The team is guided by a philosophy that demands excellence not just in competition, but in character. Athletes are expected to balance academic rigour with athletic commitment, embodying the full spirit of student sport at one of East Africa’s leading universities. Training sessions are intense and consistent, with the pool on Makerere Hill serving as the proving ground where champions are shaped, early in the morning and late into the evening.
It is this culture of commitment that has allowed the Mak Sharks to grow year after year, attracting new talent and producing athletes who go on to represent not just their university, but their country. The pipeline from the Makerere pool to the national team has become increasingly well travelled, and the club takes pride in the role it plays in the broader development of Ugandan aquatics.
At the helm of this competitive program is Mr. Tamale Thomas, the club’s Head Coach, whose leadership and technical expertise have been instrumental in shaping the Mak Sharks into the formidable unit they are today. Under his guidance, the team has continued to sharpen its skills, raise its competitive standards, and build the kind of tactical depth that wins championships. His dedication to the athletes and his belief in the club’s potential remain a driving force behind every training session and every race.
Defending Champions: Dominating the Waters
The Mak Sharks are no strangers to the winner’s podium. The club currently holds the title of defending champions in Ugandan Water Polo, a feat that underscores their dominance in one of the most physically demanding and tactically complex aquatic disciplines. Their water polo squad has consistently outperformed rivals to retain the national crown, demonstrating not just individual brilliance, but the kind of cohesive team play that only comes from years of training together and a deep understanding of the game.
Water polo is a sport that demands extraordinary fitness, tactical intelligence, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure. The fact that the Mak Sharks have been able to maintain their dominance at the national level in this discipline is a reflection of the quality of coaching, the dedication of the athletes, and the strength of the club’s overall program. Opponents have come and gone, but the Sharks have remained at the top, a constant in an ever competitive national landscape.
Equally impressive is the club’s status as the current defending champions of the Association of Ugandan University Sports (AUUS) Games, a competition that brings together student athletes from universities across Uganda. The AUUS Games represent the pinnacle of university level sport in the country, and to emerge as champions from a field of competitive institutions is a distinction that the Mak Sharks have earned through consistent, high level performance. Retaining this title is a point of immense pride for the club, for Makerere University, and for everyone who has contributed to building the program over the years.
Flying the Flag: Local and International Representation
Perhaps the most remarkable chapter in the Mak Sharks’ story is the breadth and ambition of their competitive journey. Since their founding in 2014, the club has represented Makerere University and Uganda at every level of competition, refusing to limit themselves to what is comfortable or familiar. Their competitive record is a testament to a club that is always looking beyond the next race, always setting its sights on the next horizon.
Their most notable competitive appearances include:
- World University FISU Games 2025, Rhine Ruhr, Germany: Representing Uganda on the world’s biggest student sport stage, the Mak Sharks competed among elite university athletes from across the globe. The FISU World University Games is the Olympics of student sport, and the fact that Makerere University‘s swim team has earned a place at that table is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated. Competing in Germany, the athletes carried Uganda’s flag with pride, gaining invaluable exposure to world class competition and making their mark on the global student sport community.
- 2024 All Africa FASU Games, Lagos, Nigeria: The team travelled to West Africa for the continental university games, competing against some of the best student athletes from across the African continent. The FASU Games are a premier showcase of African university sport, and the Mak Sharks’ participation in Lagos further strengthened Uganda’s profile in African student aquatics. The experience of competing at the continental level, in a different country and environment, also proved invaluable in the development of the club’s younger athletes.
- All 10 Editions of the Uganda Aquatics National Championships: Perhaps the most quietly impressive statistic in the Mak Sharks’ record is their unbroken run of participation in every single edition of the Uganda Aquatics National Championships since its inception. Ten editions. Ten appearances. Not once has the club failed to show up, compete, and make their presence felt at the national stage. It is a record of consistency that few clubs in any sport can match, and it speaks to the organisational discipline and deep commitment to competition that defines the Mak Sharks.
- Numerous Regional and National Competitions: Beyond the headline events, the Mak Sharks have been regular participants in a wide range of local and regional competitions, steadily building a winning tradition and accumulating the kind of competitive experience that cannot be taught in training alone. Every race, every competition, every challenge has added another layer to the club’s identity.
This breadth of competition, spanning local club meets, national championships, continental games, and global university events, speaks to the ambition and reach of a club that has never been content to simply participate. The Mak Sharks compete to win, and they do so with growing regularity and increasing confidence on every stage they step onto.
Beyond the Pool: Impact on Ugandan Aquatics
The influence of the Mak Sharks extends far beyond their trophy cabinet. By consistently competing at national and international levels, the club has helped raise the standard of aquatic sport in Uganda as a whole. Their presence at national championships pushes other clubs to elevate their game, and their representation at international events shines a spotlight on Uganda as a country with genuine competitive depth in aquatics.
The club also plays an important role in inspiring the next generation of Ugandan swimmers. For a young person growing up in Kampala or elsewhere in Uganda who dreams of competing internationally, seeing athletes from Makerere University represent their country at the World University FISU Games or the All Africa FASU Games is proof that those dreams are achievable. The Mak Sharks are not just winning competitions; they are building a culture of aspiration around aquatic sport in Uganda.
At the university level, the club serves as a powerful reminder of what student athletes can achieve when they are given the right environment, the right support, and the right encouragement. Makerere University‘s investment in its aquatic program, humble as the pool’s origins may be, has paid dividends that go well beyond medals and trophies. It has produced disciplined, driven individuals who carry the values of the sport with them long after they leave the university.
Looking Ahead: A Pool of Potential
With a strong foundation built over more than a decade of competitive swimming, the Mak Sharks show no signs of slowing down. Their pool, the very same that has graced the Makerere campus since the late 1950s, continues to be the cradle of champions, shaping the next generation of Ugandan aquatic talent one stroke at a time. Plans for continued growth in the squad, deeper participation in regional competitions, and sustained excellence at the national level are all firmly on the club’s agenda.
As defending champions in both water polo and the AUUS Games, the target on their backs only grows larger with each passing season. Rival clubs and university teams are watching closely, studying the Mak Sharks’ methods and looking for any opening they can find. But for a club that has competed in every edition of the national championships, stood toe to toe with university teams from across Africa, and represented Uganda on the world stage in Germany, pressure is nothing new.
The Mak Sharks have built something special on Makerere Hill. They have taken an old pool and filled it with new dreams, new ambitions, and new champions. And as the club looks ahead to the next chapter in its journey, one thing is certain: the Sharks are not done yet. They are still hungry, still training, and still diving in.
For Ugandan aquatics, for Makerere University, and for every young swimmer who has ever stood at the edge of that pool and imagined greatness, the Mak Sharks are proof that the water holds no limits.
Acknowledgements
The Mak Sharks would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Makerere University Sports and Games Union, led by Mr. Brian Miiro, for the unwavering support and assistance rendered to the club. The Sports and Games Union has been a consistent pillar behind the Mak Sharks’ journey, providing the institutional backing and encouragement that has made so much of the club’s success possible. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership, and we look forward to achieving even greater milestones together.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 17th December 2025 officially flagged off a contingent of 220 students, 13 coaches and 3 tutors from the Makerere University Games Union to the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games 2025. The 20th Edition of the games is scheduled to take place from 18th to 23rd December at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono. The 220 students were selected from a pool of over 500 athletes following a rigorous qualification process that included a residential camp in Lumumba Hall from 9th to 17th December.
Prof. Nawangwe in his send-off remarks congratulated the athletes upon their successful selection, noting that they already qualified to be called champions, having made it out of the pool stage. “It is an honour for you to carry the Makerere flag, one of the most prestigious universities in the region” he reiterated.
The Vice Chancellor equally urged the athletes to carry the wining mindset that competitive sport nurtures beyond the field into academics and other aspects of life. He added that sports trains one to be a good leader, for it takes courage and tenacity to lead people, especially, in his case, the brilliant ones that are admitted as students and staff of Makerere University.
Prof. Nawangwe nevertheless urged students uphold God, “Always remember to ask God to go ahead of you”, for in so doing they will be emboldened to achieve great exploits. He thanked the Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and Deputy Deans-Mr. Brian Miiro and Dr. Rodney Rugyema as well as all the coaching staff for always looking out for and nurturing students’ talents through sports.
Reechoing the Vice Chancellor’s message, Dr. Kabumbuli urged the athletes to approach the games with the mindset of champions and bring the medals back home. She reminded students that as a contingent, they are not only representing the Games Union but the entire Makerere University community and urged them to uphold teamwork, resilience and discipline.
Reciprocating the Vice Chancellor’s appreciation, Mr. Miiro thanked Prof. Nawangwe for his unwavering support for sports. “Your leadership and commitment affirm the University’s belief that sports are integral to holistic education, character development and promotion of discipline, teamwork and excellence among our students.”
He appreciated the coaches, trainers and support staff for their tireless efforts in preparing the contingent and expressed confidence that they would not only compete honourably but also uphold Makerere’s values on and off the field. Acknowledging that sport is expensive, Mr. Miiro thanked the Vice Chancellor and University leadership for ensuring that the team is well facilitated.
The Captain for Team Makerere is Ms. Namutebi Rhonah Majoline also a member of the National Woodball Team, with Mr. Katsirabo Donic a member of the Makerere Enzymes Football Team and Mr. Nuwagaba Phillip also a member of the National Swimming Team as Vice Captains. The Team Doctor and GRC Games Union is Mr. Kavule Edrine a Fifth Year Medical Student. The Chairman Games Union, Mr. Akampa Bob James who moderated the flag-off ceremony rallied all teams to fight valiantly for Makerere’s flag.
In a landmark agreement signed on March 26, 2025, Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Sports (NCS) for the construction of a state-of-the-art sports stadium at the University’s Main Sports Grounds. The MoU was witnessed by Hon. Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, while Mr. Ambrose Tashobya, Chairman of NCS, signed on behalf of the council.
The new facility is set to break ground in the next financial year (2025/2026) and will be financed by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports. Designed to meet international standards, the stadium will feature a full-size football pitch, an 8-lane running track, and a modern pavilion—capable of hosting high-profile sporting events.
During the signing ceremony at Makerere University, Hon. Ogwang outlined the strategic importance of the project. “This development is a vital step in our preparations for Uganda hosting the AFCON Cup in 2027,” he remarked. He further revealed that the Ministry has allocated Shs21 billion to jump-start the Makerere project as part of an overall investment of 1.5 trillion shillings to upgrade multiple stadiums nationwide, including those in Namboole, Akibua, and Hoima. The Ministry emphasized that the stadium’s construction would adhere to Makerere University’s innovative structural designs.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “This is a dream come true for Makerere University. We have long sought funding for a modern stadium, and I am delighted that the Ministry has chosen us as the site for this transformative development.” He underscored the facility’s potential to uplift student talent, foster community engagement, and serve as a hub for national sports development.
The project will be co-supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transport, NCS, and Makerere University, ensuring rigorous standards and timely completion. Notably, the UPDF Engineering Brigade has been appointed as the contractor, guaranteeing a robust and secure build.
Mr. Tashobya added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Makerere University and other government entities to create an enabling environment for sports across Africa. We look forward to the university harnessing this facility, and we are committed to achieving CAF’s requirements so that the stadium can host games both day and night.” He also encouraged Makerere to identify students for training in the management and operation of the new facility, highlighting the project’s role in capacity building.
This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s sporting and infrastructural landscape, promising to deliver a facility that not only meets international standards but also nurtures the next generation of sporting talent.
-
General3 days agoBachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination Results 2026/2027
-
General1 week agoMature Age Admission List – Government Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General1 week agoMakerere University DVCFA Accomplishments will continue – Prof. Alinaitwe
-
General1 week agoFrom Information to Innovation: ‘This Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint’—Academic Registrar and Director of Graduate Training Urge PhD Cohort 11
-
General1 week agoNotice: Medical Review Exercise for Persons with Disability 2026/2027