Zlatibor, Serbia: Uganda wrapped its campaign at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) U15 Gymnasiade 2025 with a bronze medal and a national swimming record, marking an impressive performance at the international school sports event.
The 34-member student-athlete delegation, flagged off by the Ministry of Education and Sports on April 2nd, competed in athletics, swimming, table tennis, and badminton, going head-to-head with the world’s best school athletes.
Uganda’s lone medal came through long-distance runner Loput Kizito, who secured bronze in the 1500m boys’ final with a time of 4:30.73. The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) hailed the performance as a solid step forward for the country’s budding sports talent.
“The tournament was a valuable learning experience, giving the athletes exposure and the opportunity to compete at a global level,” USSSA noted.
But it was in the swimming pool where history was made.
Thirteen-year-old Zara Marie Mbanga of Seroma Christian High School broke two national short-course swimming records. On April 7th, she set a new benchmark in the 100m backstroke with a time of 1:10.68. Three days later, she smashed the 200m individual medley record 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 trains with the Jaguar Swim Club and competed in the 13–14 age category.
She also clocked 29.47 seconds in the 50m freestyle, placing seventh in her group. Among her male peers, Kayira Tariq won his heat with 30.08 seconds, while Payton McKenzie Ssekajiija placed fourth in his heat with a 29.37 finish.
On the track, Aciro Vicky (2:22.65) and Chebet Olive (2:26.53) finished 7th and 10th, respectively in the girls’ 800m. In sprints, Nabunya Tracy came 6th in the 200m final at 26.03 seconds after winning her heat. In the boys’ 200m, Opwonya John placed 20th overall with a time of 25.74.
Uganda’s table tennis team impressed in the group stages. Malcom Ssentongo and Allan Wetogo picked up wins against players from Bangladesh and Bulgaria. Mark Bagambe beat India and narrowly lost 2-3 to Macao’s Kuan Io Seng.
In badminton, the duo of Ayikoru Ruth and Owaruhanga Edward triumphed over Benin in the mixed doubles. Ssekajanko Benjamin advanced in singles after a straight-set win over an opponent from Azerbaijan, while Mawanda Abigail Ndagire fell to Turkey.
Despite competing in only four of the 25 disciplines—athletics, swimming, table tennis, and badminton—Uganda’s student-athletes stood out for their spirit and resilience.
The final group of athletes, including Zara Mbanga and the Seroma Christian High School team, is expected to return to Uganda on April 16th at 10:25 AM via Entebbe International Airport.
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