Excitement, Entertainment, Fun await Inaugural Formidable Masters Swimming Gala
By: Kayiira Jackson
The Inaugural Formidable Masters Swimming Gala set to be held on Saturday, 3, May 2025 at Waves Fitness Harbour – Ntinda Kampala.
The championship is set to be the largest masters swimming event in East Africa, attracting over eight clubs and more than 350 athletes.
Participating teams include Makerere, Sailfish, Formidables, Malta, Bank of Uganda, Dolphins, Silverfinare, Gators, and Altona.
The meet will feature 30 competitive events, ranging from short sprints like the 25m freestyle and butterfly to 100m relays, providing a full day of exhilarating action. The competition kicks off with warm-ups at midday, and races are expected to run from 2 PM into the night—a first for a club-level masters swimming event at Waves Fitness Harbour.
While addressing media in the press briefing held on Monday at Waves Fitness Harbour – Ntinda, the Formidable Swim Club chairperson, Dr. Donald Rukare highlighted that Saturday will be a full package of swimming, fun and entertainment.
“It’s going to be a unique event in a way that will be combining some new features which are not seen before; night swimming, we’re going to have the pool party, we’re trying to twin sport and entertainment.” Said Donald Rukare.
“….and we’re hoping as a club this be an annual event, so this is an Inaugural event….so far we believe that close to ten clubs and over 300 swimmers have confirmed their attendance so we are looking forward to an exciting day of swimming and we argue all Ugandans who enjoy swimming, those enjoy the vibe, there will be a little of everything to everyone.” He added.
Louis David Wolimbwa, head coach of the Formidables Masters Swim Club, expressed excitement during the media briefing, “We are thrilled to be hosting our inaugural Formidables swim meet in Uganda on May 3rd, 2025. It’s going to be a spectacular event filled with record-breaking attempts from athletes who have been preparing for months. We promise spectators an unforgettable show.”
Key Events include; Women’s and Men’s 100m Freestyle, 25m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 100m Breaststroke, 25m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 100m Medley Relay, 100m Backstroke, 100m Individual Medley (IM) and 100m Freestyle Relay
Peter Ssebanakita, captain of Formidables Swim Club, confirmed the team has assembled a diverse and competitive roster of 84 swimmers, aged between 25 to 70 years, 26 female and 58 male swimmers.
“We are not just competing; we are building a strong masters swimming culture. This championship is about passion, competition, and community,” said Ssebanakita.
He also encouraged the public to come out in large numbers to support the event, and invited aspiring swimmers to register and showcase their talents.
Formidables Masters Team Roster
Bukenya Simon Peter, Katerega Calvin, Kimbugwe Nanjobe, Mutesasira Mahamood, Muwayire Revicalto, Bakhita Lily, Bakuraira Diane, Bolla Nelson, Bradshaw Kerry, Busingye Sherita, Busuulwa Herbert, Busuulwa Simeon, Byamugisha Frida, Charity Catherine ,Cohen Sharp, Elaine Bwente, Ilamai Belinda, Kabugo Moses, Kabuye Ivan, Kaganzi Paul, Kakooza Henry,Kalibwani Allan,Kamya Arnold, Kamya Moses, Kanchela Chitumba,Kasirivu Joseph,Kasozi Emmanuel,Kasule Michael, Kateba Alex,Katumba Duncan, Kayanga Rahim, Khasasha Dennis,Kimbowa Ronald,Kiviri Dan ,Kulabako Shaminah, Kyagulanyi Ben,Maaka Kenani, Magezi Patrick, Marshall Victor,Matovu Latibu,Mubangizi Robert,Mubiri Bazaala, Mugabi Arthur, Mugisha Peter,Muhangi Peter ,Muhumuza Nkwanzi, Muliika Hamis ,Mulindwa Dian,Munaaba Ismail,Musaazi Benjamin, Mutambuka Enid, Mwagale Rachael,Mwesigye Alex,Nabacwa Pumula,Nabimanya Monica,Nabulya Milly,Nabunje Jill, Nakilembe Vaneser,Nakimuli Catherine, Nalwadda Olivier,Namakalu Catherine,Namayanja Linda,Namayanja Safina,Nkesiga Themba, Ntale Michael, Ntulume Allan, Ocamringa Tom, Ojwiya Benon,Okidi Solomon,Otimong Saddat,Pasquini Chiara,Rukare Donald,Rukare Dunstan,Sendi Ian,Ssebanakitta Peter,Ssendagala James, Tinkamanyire Richard, Tumuhimbise Peninnah, Turyasingura Derrick,Ucanda Jimmy, Walusimbi Kenneth,Wanyama Jeremiah, Wolimbwa Louis and Yawe Habib.