Sports State Minister Peter Ogwang has called on the government to construct 55 swimming pools across northern, eastern and western Uganda to expand access to the sport and develop talent for international competitions.

Ogwang proposed building 15 pools in Northern Uganda, 20 in Eastern Uganda and another 20 in Western Uganda, arguing that the planned swimming facility at Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium would not adequately serve the entire northern region.

Speaking in Parliament, Ogwang, who represents Ngariam County, said expanding access to swimming facilities would help identify and nurture talent while preparing more Ugandan athletes for regional and international competitions.

He also called for government funding for the National Recognition and Reward Scheme established under the National Sports Act, 2023, to enable the country to reward athletes for outstanding performances.

Ogwang said financing the scheme would reduce reliance on repeated requests for presidential support whenever Ugandan athletes win medals at major competitions.

He further announced plans to table a motion in Parliament to recognise the country’s medal-winning athletes.

The calls came as Parliament recognised Uganda’s recent swimming achievements, with Education and Sports Committee chairperson Cuthbert Abigaba Mirembe presenting trophies won by the national team at the 11th Africa Aquatics Zone III Championships.

Uganda emerged overall champion at the competition, held from October 21 to 25, 2026, in Kampala. In the pool events, the team collected 83 gold, 58 silver and 43 bronze medals. Kenya finished second in the standings. <Cite refs={["turn539378search0","turn539378search2"]}/>

A total of 114 members of the national swimming team attended the parliamentary sitting.

Abigaba, who represents Kibale County, also recognised swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe for winning silver in the women’s SB8 100-metre breaststroke at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Kukundakwe’s achievement secured Uganda’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in swimming, marking a historic milestone for the country. <Cite refs={["turn539378search8"]}/>

Abigaba further acknowledged the achievements of Gloria Anna Muzito and Jesse Ssuubi Ssengonzi at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.