Aquatic Academy Kampala crowned Mako Sharks Summer Invitational 5th edition Champions (Photos)

Uganda’s Aquatic Academy Kampala emerged victorious at the 5th edition of the Mako Sharks Summer Invitational Championship, a regional swimming competition held at Green Hills Academy swimming pool over the weekend of June 6–7, 2026.

Organized by Rwanda’s Mako Sharks Swimming Club in collaboration with Rwanda Aquatics, the championship brought together 303 swimmers from 16 clubs in Rwanda and Uganda, reinforcing its status as one of the region’s fastest-growing aquatic competitions.

Aquatic Academy Kampala dominated the overall standings with a total of 2,743.50 points, powered by an impressive medal haul of 31 gold, 19 silver and 17 bronze medals. 

Their consistent performances across multiple age categories helped them secure Best Team of the competition.

Hosts Mako Sharks Swimming Club finished as runners-up with 2,001.50 points after collecting 27 gold, 18 silver and 17 bronze medals.

Despite missing out on the top spot, the Rwandan club delivered strong performances across freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events.

Uganda’s Tumaini Aquatic Academy completed the podium in third place with 1,710 points, earning 14 gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze medals.

The competition featured intense races in both sprint and distance events, with swimmers competing in individual medleys, relays, and stroke-specific categories.

Apart from the top three teams, the other participating teams ranked as follows: Cercle Sportif Karongi Academy, Jaguar Swim Club, Kigali Sporting Club, Otters Swim Club Uganda, Friends of Water Swim Club, Hertz Swim Club, Makerere University Sharks, Blue Whales Aquatic Venture, Whales Swim Academy Entebbe, Les Dolphins Swim Club, Vision LA Jeunesse Nouvelle, Synergy Swim Club and Cercle Sportif de Kigali.

Speaking after the event, Mako Sharks Swimming Club Director and Rwanda Aquatics Secretary General, James Bazatsinda, praised the success of the championship and the growing participation levels.

“We are satisfied with how the competition went. The number of swimmers and teams shows how much the event has grown,” Bazatsinda said

He emphasized that the competition gives young swimmers experience and a platform to showcase talent, preparing them as future national team athletes for international competitions.

Bazatsinda also highlighted the steady growth of the tournament since its inception.

The first edition attracted 80 swimmers, followed by 97 in the second, 120 in the third and 150 in the fourth edition, reflecting a continuous rise in participation and regional interest.

He further noted that the success of the event is the result of collaboration between Mako Sharks Swimming Club, Rwanda Aquatics, partners, and parents, who play a key role in supporting young athletes.

Mako Sharks Swimming Club is one of Rwanda’s leading swimming institutions, based in Kigali.

The club focuses on competitive training, talent identification, and youth development in aquatic sports.

It also organizes the annual Mako Sharks Summer Invitational, which has become a major regional event attracting clubs from Rwanda and neighboring countries, strengthening East African swimming competition.

Swimming in Rwanda has developed significantly over the past decade, with Rwanda Aquatics governing competitive aquatic sports under international standards.

The sport has grown through school programs, private clubs, and regional competitions, with increasing participation in youth development pathways aimed at producing elite swimmers for continental and global events.

Photos

Mako Sharks Swimming Club Director and Rwanda Aquatics Secretary General, James Bazatsinda