KAMPALA, UGANDA — History-making Ugandan para-swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe is stepping up her training program in Kampala as she prepares for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Kukundakwe, born with limb disabilities, suffered discrimination but found liberation and confidence through swimming. Looking back at the time when an athlete competed against her at school using her name, Kukundakwe says that discrimination made her feel like an outsider and inadequate, saying that it made her feel like her efforts did not matter.
Despite the challenges she faced earlier in life, Kukundakwe went on to represent Uganda at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the Paris 2024 Paralympics. On 27 July, Kukundakwe made history by winning the silver medal in the women’s 100-metre breaststroke SB8 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This was Uganda’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in swimming and any para-sport.
“Winning this medal really showed me that hard work truly does pay off,” said Kukundakwe. “I put in lots of effort and time balancing my studies, and it has only motivated me further.”
Recent footage captures Kukundakwe swimming laps and practising dives in Kampala as she prepares for upcoming international competitions. With LA 2028 in her sights, she hopes her achievements will challenge societal attitudes towards disability and open doors for future Para-athletes.
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