Paris, France – At just 17 years old, Husnah Kukundakwe from Uganda has emerged as a beacon of resilience, determination, and excellence in the world of Para-swimming. Competing in her second Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, Husnah has once again shown the world the power of determination and that dreams can be achieved, no matter one’s abilities or where they come from.
Early Life
Born in central Uganda without her right forearm and with three complete fingers on her left hand, Husnah faced unique challenges from a young age. Despite these differences, her parents raised her just like her siblings, ensuring that she never felt out of place within her family. It wasn’t until Husnah was around four or five years old that she began to realize she was different from other children. She often wore long sleeves to hide her arm, feeling the need to blend in and avoid the stares and questions from others.
At school, many children were unsure how to interact with her, and as a result, Husnah kept her circle of friends small, two or three close friends who supported her. The rest of her schoolmates were distant. They didn’t understand why she was different and what that meant.
However, Husnah’s story is one of resilience. At just three years old, she found her passion for swimming, a sport that would eventually build her confidence and allow her to proudly showcase who she is and what she represents. Despite her mother’s initial fears that she might drown, Husnah was relentless in her desire to be in the water. Her mother eventually enrolled her in a basic swimming program at school, where Husnah’s talent began to shine. But even in the pool, she faced challenges. During an inter-school swimming competition, Husnah was unfairly pulled from a race because of her disability, a moment that left her hurt and confused. However, instead of letting this experience defeat her, Husnah used it as motivation to push harder.
Her determination paid off. As she grew older, around the age of 12 or 13, Husnah’s success in swimming began to attract attention, giving her a semi-celebrity in Uganda. This newfound recognition helped her gain confidence, and she began to make more friends as people came to know her not just as the girl with a disability, but as a talented swimmer with a bright future.
The Path to the Paralympics
By the age of 14, Husnah was not just another swimmer; she was making history.
In 2020, she became the youngest athlete to represent Uganda at the Tokyo Paralympics, competing at just 14 years old after qualifying during the World Series in Sheffield 2019—an achievement that had never been done in the history of Uganda, either in para or Olympic swimming. Her journey didn’t stop there. Husnah continued to train and compete, participating in major international competitions such as the London 2019 and Manchester 2023 World Championships. In these events, she reached the finals and earned silver medals at the World Para Swimming World Series, setting multiple records in Africa and establishing herself as one of the continent’s top para-athletes.
At her second Paralympic Games in Paris, which concluded on Monday, September 8th and Husnah once again captured the global stage. She competed in three key events: the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB8, the 50m Freestyle S8, and the Women’s 100m Butterfly S8. Each race was a testament to her hard work, determination, and unwavering spirit as she represented Uganda with pride.
Parents’ Influence and Support
Husnah’s remarkable journey was supported by her family, particularly her mother, Hashima. Her mother vowed to do everything in her power to help her daughter follow her dreams and passion. It was Hashima who ensured Husnah had access to the resources she needed, from swimming equipment to opportunities for training and competition, even when it meant making significant personal sacrifices—especially coming from a third-world country where access to sports facilities and support is not guaranteed, compared to countries like the USA.
When it came time to compete internationally, such as at the 2019 World Championships in London, it was her mother’s determination that secured the funding necessary for Husnah, her coach, and herself to travel. This event, where Husnah was recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for the first time, remains a memorable milestone for her, marking the beginning of her embrace towards motivational speaking.
Beyond the Pool: Advocacy and Inspiration
While Husnah’s achievements in the pool are extraordinary, her impact goes far beyond her athletic performance. She has become a passionate advocate for the rights of girls and women, and for people with different abilities. Her own experiences of discrimination and exclusion have fueled her desire to change the narrative for others in Uganda and around the world.
Husnah’s advocacy is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to inspire others, especially young people with disabilities in Uganda. Her mission is to show the world that people with disabilities have immense potential and should be given every opportunity to thrive.
In 2021, Husnah became a UTS Young Leader And was chosen not only due to her talent in the pool but who she is outside it.
UTS President Stephan Fox said:
“Husnah is incredible and she continues to show us what makes her a fantastic role model for the next generations. We are so proud to have Husnah with us as we work to nurture youth around the world towards social excellence.”
Husnah joined her fellow UTS young leaders from around the globe at the UTS World Youth Festival 2022 in Bangkok. There, she shared her story on stage, participated in panel discussions on inclusion, and tried new sports like Teqball and Muaythai. Husnah made many new friends and connected with other young leaders, including fellow Paralympian Ezra Frech.
Husnah said regarding the Festival:
“Joining the UTS World Youth Festival in Bangkok 2022 was an incredible opportunity for me to share my story with the world and to listen to the stories of the other young leaders. I was excited to go on stage and share my journey, and I felt so welcomed in that moment. It was so cool to see so many sports come together, from minigolf to track and field, football, teqball, and more, and with athletes of all abilities. It was true inclusion, and I was so happy to be part of it.“
Inspired by Ezra’s NGO Angel City Sports in Los Angeles, a program dedicated to providing adaptive sports clinics, equipment, and competitions for athletes with disabilities, Husnah dreams of creating similar opportunities in Uganda. She envisions a future where people with disabilities in Uganda can come together to participate in sports, feel included, and avoid being marginalized or forced to beg on the streets. She also aims to encourage parents not to abandon their children with disabilities and instead support them in discovering their potential.
Looking Forward
Husnah travels home as the pride of her nation and proudly continues to pursue her dreams, where she is as focused as ever towards achieving even greater heights.
She aspires to set a world record and win a Paralympic medal. But her ambitions extend beyond personal success. Husnah is determined to create a lasting impact for her community in Uganda and across Africa. To change the way people with disabilities are perceived and treated, and to build a more inclusive society is at the heart.
Husnah’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, anything is possible. As we celebrate her achievements at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we look forward to watching her continue to break barriers and inspire future generations. United Through Sports is proud to support Husnah on her journey and excited to see what the future holds for this incredible young leader.
Congratulations, Husnah!
