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Uganda’s emerging swimming talent, Nisha Pearl Najjuma, has a name that fits perfectly.

It is said that pearls represent knowledge, innocence, affection, and strength. They are also linked with emotional harmony, faithfulness, and fresh starts.

All these are characteristics that can be used to describe the tall 12-year-old swimmer who is making waves in Ugandan swimming.

Najjuma is a multi-medal athlete who has excelled in several local competitions representing her club Otters and Kampala Junior School. Her achievements within the country have enabled her to compete for Uganda at the Africa Zone III Swimming Championships on two occasions.

Last year, during the 9th edition held in a short course (25m) pool in Burundi, Najjuma celebrated her fresh start by winning first place in the 12 and Under girls’ 100m and 200m backstroke, earning silver in the 50m backstroke and bronze in the 200m breaststroke, and placing 4th and 5th in the 50m and 100m breaststroke events respectively.

At the 10th edition, which took place last week in a more demanding long course (50m) pool at Kasarani Aquatic Centre in Nairobi, Najjuma increased her total to eight medals as she said ‘goodbye’ to the 12 & Under category.

Her gold medals were won in the 200m (2:50.98), 100m (1:18.65), and 50m (35.07) backstroke events, along with the 200m (3:07.59), 100m (1:26.22), and 50m (39.17) breaststroke events. Najjuma also earned a silver in the 200m individual medley (2:53.84) and a bronze in the 50m butterfly (33.76) – she did not win a medal in the 100m freestyle (1:16.41).

Her accumulation of gold medals secured her the title of top swimmer in her age group, earning 40 points from medals.

“I am confident that doubling the medals demonstrates my progress,” Najjuma stated after the event.

Najjuma, who trains with her team and mentor at Centenary Park, mentions that there are no hidden factors behind her performance but “simply regularity in training.”

Despite the festivities as Uganda was declared champions, Najjuma was already focusing on areas to enhance. This is remarkable for her age.

“My freestyle remains challenging, but I’m shifting my mindset regarding it. I aim to give my best in every race without worrying about medals,” Najjuma mentioned about her difficulties in the only stroke she hasn’t won a medal in.

This time, the age group was more competitive, with Kenya and Tanzania eager to win just like Uganda, but the perseverance of this quiet swimmer helped her rise to the top of the group.

It’s satisfying to overcome this kind of competition, but there’s definitely a lot of work remaining.

“At home, the competition isn’t as intense, so I might be in a bit of a comfort zone. However, I need to push myself harder knowing these competitions are in my mind because I can’t just come here to swim and give up,” Najjuma added.

Loyalty and royalty

If she comes back to Zone III next year, Najjuma will face a more competitive 13-14 age category. As she progresses, there will be additional invitations from Uganda Aquatics for larger events.

Luckily for her, the swimming setting is filled with a sense of fellowship, and she is already taking full advantage of it despite knowing she needs to wait for her moment.

I find motivation in my fellow players on the national team. Several of them can push beyond the limits I haven’t reached yet. And I’m always ready to gain knowledge from them.

“I’m not looking to rush into my goals or what I aim to accomplish as a swimmer. I’ll move forward gradually, put in the effort, and find out where that leads me,” said Najjuma, who took up the sport from her father and has since discovered her own love for it.

A definite next step is that she will take her Primary Leaving Examinations on November 3 and 4. Choosing to represent her country in such a challenging competition, just two weeks before the exams, shows her commitment and dedication to her team.

At a glance

Name: Nisha Pearl Najjuma

Age: 12

School: Kampala Junior School

Class: P.7

Club: Otters

Major events for Uganda: Africa Aquatics Zone III 2024 (Burundi), 2025 (Kenya)

Medals this year:

Gold: All breaststroke and backstroke competitions (50 meters, 100 meters, 200 meters)

Silver: 200m IM

Bronze: 50m fly