Condoleezza Nakazibwe: Rising above limits as Glasgow 2026 beckons

At just 13 years old, Condoleezza Thembo Nakazibwe is already proving that determination, resilience, and ambition can overcome even the greatest challenges. The Ugandan para-swimmer, who competes in the S9 classification and represents Gators Swim Club Kampala, continues to make impressive strides on the regional and international swimming scene as she prepares for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Her recent performances at the Kenya Aquatics National Long Course Swimming Championships in Nairobi, coupled with a new sponsorship and brand ambassador partnership with Taupoc, mark another significant chapter in the young athlete’s rapidly developing career.

Valuable Lessons from Kenya’s Toughest Competition

Held from May 29 to 31, 2026, at the Kasarani Aquatic Stadium, the Kenya Aquatics National Long Course Swimming Championships attracted some of East Africa’s strongest swimmers, providing a highly competitive environment for athletes looking to test themselves against the region’s best.

For Nakazibwe, the championships were more than just another competition—they were an important stepping stone on her journey towards Glasgow 2026.

Competing in the Girls 12–13 age category, she featured in the demanding 200m Butterfly, one of swimming’s most physically challenging events. Demonstrating courage and determination, she qualified for the final and finished third among the finalists with a time of 3:35.13.

Although her performance fell outside the Kenya Aquatics qualifying standard of 3:15.98, reaching the final represented an important achievement and offered valuable championship experience against elite regional competitors.

She also competed in the 50m Backstroke, clocking 45.48 seconds in the preliminary heats in a field that featured more than 40 swimmers. The event provided another opportunity to measure her progress against some of East Africa’s strongest age-group swimmers.

Reflecting on her experience in Nairobi, Nakazibwe described the competition as both challenging and rewarding.

“I found the Kenyan Nationals very involving and very rough. They have a lot of competition. So, I feel like it’s a very good game and I wish I can come back very soon,” she said.

The championships may not have seen her among the top overall point scorers, but they provided something equally important: race experience, confidence, and performance benchmarks that will help shape her preparations for future international competitions.

Building Momentum Towards Glasgow 2026

Nakazibwe has already been selected to represent Uganda at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, a milestone that reflects her growing stature within Uganda’s para-sport community.

For the young swimmer, competing in Kenya offered a valuable opportunity to assess her current level and establish targets for the months ahead.

“You made podiums in some of your events. How does that make you feel ahead of Glasgow 2026?” she was asked.

“It makes me feel good because it shows me that I’m in the right place to perform in Glasgow and represent better. It shows me that I’m cutting my times and performing better. It’s showing me self-improvement,” she responded.

The championships served as a measuring stick for where she currently stands and where she hopes to be when she arrives in Scotland.

“I feel like the Kenyan Nationals have helped me prepare for Glasgow in a way that it has given me a way to set my times and goals, to prepare and be able to cut them when I go for Glasgow, and to better the times so that it can help me and also help me swim better.”

Such reflections highlight the maturity and focus that have become defining characteristics of the young athlete.

A New Chapter with Taupoc

Beyond her performances in the pool, Nakazibwe’s participation in Nairobi also marked the beginning of an exciting new partnership as a brand ambassador for Taupoc.

The sponsorship deal represents a significant boost for the young swimmer as she continues her journey towards becoming one of Uganda’s leading para-athletes.

Speaking about the partnership, Nakazibwe expressed her excitement and gratitude.

“Being the brand ambassador for Taupoc is a very nice opportunity that I’m very glad to have taken on because now it’s going to help me perform better. It’s also going to help me push myself to higher limits and set better goals in future.”

During the championships, she debuted a Taupoc swimsuit and immediately noticed the positive impact it had on her confidence.

“I would say that it’s very comfortable and I just like its colours and all that stuff. So, it has really boosted my confidence. It has given me more confidence to swim the races.”

For many athletes, confidence can be as important as physical preparation, and Nakazibwe believes the partnership will help her continue developing both on and off the pool deck.

The Importance of Sponsorship in Para Sport

For para-athletes, access to quality equipment, training resources, and financial support can often determine how far their talent can take them.

Nakazibwe recognizes the importance of having a sponsor who believes in her potential.

“As a para-swimmer, I feel like the brand ambassadorship is going to help me with expenses and stuff like that. Also, being able to represent a brand and show it internationally is also a big deal.”

She also believes that the partnership will elevate her profile as she prepares to compete on larger international stages.

“I feel like it has helped me get to be more international in a way. Because now being a brand ambassador of something is not a small deal. So being able to represent Taupoc has been a very nice opportunity that I’m glad to have taken on.”

The deal highlights growing recognition of her achievements and the promise she holds for the future of Ugandan para-swimming.

A Story of Resilience

Nakazibwe’s journey is remarkable not only because of her performances in the water but also because of the adversity she has overcome.

After losing her left arm in an accident in 2019, many would have struggled to find a way forward. Instead, she chose the pool and transformed a life-changing challenge into a platform for excellence.

Since then, she has emerged as one of Uganda’s most inspiring young para-athletes, winning medals, breaking records, and earning opportunities to compete internationally.

Her story is a powerful reminder that disability does not define ability.

Eyes on Glasgow

With the Kenya Nationals now behind her, Nakazibwe’s focus turns fully towards Glasgow 2026. The lessons learned in Nairobi, the confidence gained from podium finishes, and the support provided by her new Taupoc partnership have placed her in a strong position as preparations intensify.

At only 13 years old, she still has many years of development ahead of her. Yet the signs are already clear: she possesses the determination, talent, and mindset needed to succeed at the highest levels of para-swimming.

As Uganda prepares its team for Glasgow, Condoleezza Thembo Nakazibwe stands as one of the country’s brightest young sporting prospects a resilient athlete whose journey continues to inspire and whose best performances may still lie ahead.

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