Uganda Makes Commonwealth Games History With Landmark Para Swimming Medal

Uganda has recorded a historic Commonwealth Games breakthrough after Husnah Kukundakwe won silver in the women’s SB8 100-metre breaststroke at Glasgow 2026.

The result gave Uganda its first Commonwealth Games medal in swimming, its first medal in a Para Sport and its first Games medal in any sport outside athletics or boxing, according to Commonwealth Sport.

Kukundakwe was level with England’s Brock Whiston at the halfway point before Whiston pulled clear to win in a Games-record time of 1:22.05. England’s Iona Winnifrith took bronze.

The silver medal is significant beyond the result itself. Uganda’s Commonwealth Games history has largely been built around athletics and boxing, while Para sport has received far less visibility. Kukundakwe’s performance expands the range of disciplines in which Ugandan athletes have reached the podium and gives the country a new reference point for investment in swimming and inclusive sport.

Kukundakwe entered Glasgow as Uganda’s team captain and one of the country’s most experienced Para athletes despite being 19. She had competed internationally for Uganda for several years before arriving at the Games with the stated ambition of securing a first Commonwealth medal outside the country’s traditional strengths.

Her achievement also contributes to a wider African story at Glasgow 2026, where athletes from across the continent have produced notable performances in swimming, weightlifting, Para powerlifting, athletics and boxing.

Sources: Commonwealth Sport; Commonwealth Sport Day Four preview.