https://en.sputniknews.africa/20260120/swimming-against-the-odds-a-ugandan-story-of-disability-and-resilience-1089062909.html
Swimming Against the Odds: A Ugandan Story of Disability and Resilience
Swimming Against the Odds: A Ugandan Story of Disability and Resilience
Sputnik Africa
For young Africans living with disabilities, sport can be more than competition. It can become a pathway to confidence, visibility and belonging, even as... 20.01.2026, Sputnik Africa
2026-01-20T12:50+0100
2026-01-20T12:50+0100
2026-09-11T12:52+0200
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Swimming Against the Odds: A Ugandan Story of Disability and Resilience
Sputnik Africa
For young Africans living with disabilities, sport can be more than competition. It can become a pathway to confidence, visibility and belonging, even as athletes confront barriers in schools, communities and sporting spaces.
Ugandan Paralympian and youth advocate Husnah Kukundakwe knows this journey firsthand. At just 18, she has already competed on the international stage and is now serving as vice chair of the Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council, using her experience to advocate for greater inclusion and opportunities for young people with disabilities.Speaking to Global South Pole, Kukundakwe reflected on how swimming transformed not only her athletic abilities but also her confidence and outlook on life. For her, sport became a space where determination could challenge assumptions and achievement could change perceptions.Her message extends beyond the swimming pool. She believes that passion, discipline and perseverance can help young people overcome the limitations others place on them, while greater access and inclusion can give them the opportunity to prove what they are capable of.To listen to the whole conversation, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Mave Stream.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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podcasts, sport, health, healthcare, paralympics, human body, athlete, uganda, africa, discrimination, youth, medals, inclusivity, аудио
Swimming Against the Odds: A Ugandan Story of Disability and Resilience
12:50 20.01.2026 (Updated: 12:52 11.09.2026) Aliyu Bello
Correspondent, Podcast Host
For young Africans living with disabilities, sport can be more than competition. It can become a pathway to confidence, visibility and belonging, even as athletes confront barriers in schools, communities and sporting spaces.
Ugandan Paralympian and youth advocate Husnah Kukundakwe knows this journey firsthand. At just 18, she has already competed on the international stage and is now serving as vice chair of the Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council, using her experience to advocate for greater inclusion and opportunities for young people with disabilities.
Speaking to Global South Pole, Kukundakwe reflected on how swimming transformed not only her athletic abilities but also her confidence and outlook on life. For her, sport became a space where determination could challenge assumptions and achievement could change perceptions.
Her message extends beyond the swimming pool. She believes that passion, discipline and perseverance can help young people overcome the limitations others place on them, while greater access and inclusion can give them the opportunity to prove what they are capable of.
“Change starts with sport because without swimming, I don’t think I would be the confident, outgoing girl that I am now […] I always tell people to be determined, be passionate about what they do, and do it with one heart to the fullest […] I was able to achieve going to my first Paralympic Games at such a young age with lots of hard work and determination and passion. And if you attribute them to your life as well, you’ll definitely be able to achieve your dreams,” Kukundakwe affirmed.
To listen to the whole conversation, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
